YOGA 101

 

Yoga is a philosophy and way of life that evolved in India many thousands of years ago.  Exercising body, mind and spirit, yoga develops all aspects of an individual, creating internal balance and peace.  

 

Yoga postures, or asanas, exercise every muscle in the body, including the body’s joints, spine, and skeletal system.  Yoga also restores and assists the body’s internal organs, nerves and glands.

 

Pranayama is a term for yogic breathing techniques.  Breath, or prana, is the vital energy source that provides us life.  As the breath flows, so do our thoughts, feelings and actions.  In yoga, pranayama is practiced to calm the mind and relieve stress and anxiety.  Practicing pranayama as well as asanas, reduce the amount of coritisol, a stress hormone, in our bodies.

 

In addition to the peace and balance yoga brings to our lives, yoga has significant physical and health benefits.  Various studies have suggested that practicing yoga regulary  can help alleviate arthritis, arteriosclerosis, chronic fatigue, asthma, varicose veins and heart conditions.  Yoga will also increase lung capacity ad respiration, reduce body weight, heighten resistance to stress, and decrease levels of cholesterol in the body.