“Yoga is invigoration in relaxation. Freedom in routine. Confidence in self-control. Inner energy and outer energy”

What is “Yoga”?

The word “Yoga” is derived from Sanskrit meaning “union”. Yoga is a practice that uses postures and breathing techniques to induce relaxation and improve strength. There are yoga “postures” ~ or “asanas” ~ that offer you to become more aware of your body, mind, and surroundings. There are many types of Yoga, ranging from the gentle level of Hatha Yoga to the more intense ones such as Bikram Yoga. Each form of yoga enhances your health benefits from head to toe ~ your muscles, bones, and joints.

*Always consult your doctor before trying any of these yoga poses and movements or using yoga as a treatment for any injury!

Don’t underestimate the power of yoga

I started doing Yoga a few years ago. I had never known what a powerful one hour Yoga class can do to your body and especially your mind. When I first walked into the class I thought to myself ‘here we go this is going to be a really easy stretch and flex without a drop of sweat during this session’. In the first few minutes of our yoga ‘warm-up’, I can surprisingly feel beads of sweat rolling down my back.

The mind can heal the body ~ Namaste

It seems true to me that all Yoga makes people accept and love themselves and their bodies more. Often, it’s not intense cardio or kickboxing classes or weight training that you need, but rather a relaxing or energizing class, depending on your symptoms. Check with your doctor before taking any of these classes or attempting any of these yoga poses.

However, I realize that some have the misconception that yoga is all about relaxation. There are some basic yoga “poses” ~or “asanas”~ like “Sun Salutation”, “Mountain Pose”, “Cobra” or even “Warrior 2” that can surprisingly be invigorating for your body. Tight muscles throughout the body, back, shoulders, legs, arms, including facial expression, can be a factor in pain, and calming the nervous system will help relax them. For the most effective benefits, I personally recommend skipping intense yoga and other intense workouts and emphasizing meditation and stretching. You are never too young or too old to reap the health benefits of yoga. Since the names of each pose sound intimidating to you, believe me they are very easy to follow. Get informed and discover for yourself how Yoga postures will help you relax, refresh and restart your engine, soul, mind and body.

YOGA is better natural Rx*

Staying healthy. Think Healthy. Body and mind. There is more scientific evidence that YOGA offers more health benefits than just relaxation of the mind, breathing exercise, meditation, muscle stretching, strength and flexibility.

Benefits for the health of muscles, bones and joints: Not only can it improve endurance, but regular yoga exercise can help and keep your body strong as it engages all muscle areas in performing any of the ‘postures’ ~ ‘asanas’ ~ to maintain and balance postures, strengthening your feet, hands, shoulders, lower back, abs, hips, legs and shoulders. The stretching and breathing exercises of yoga improve your flexibility, helping your joints, tendons, and muscles stay supple. As with treating a sore back, try a much more calming and gentle practice, such as “corpse” pose. Yoga is often prescribed to help heal various injuries*, including repetitive strain injuries, knee and back injuries, torn hamstrings, and even minor skin burns. Improve bone density: Yoga is also said to be an excellent weight-bearing exercise that can improve bone density; Particularly beneficial for women approaching menopause, as yoga can help prevent osteoporosis, or thinning of the bones.

depression cure: A recent study has stated that yoga helps your body produce serotonin, a natural antidepressant, and helps reduce cortisol levels, which are elevated in people with depression. One study showed that people who took a 1-hour yoga class three times a week for two months said they felt less depressed, angry, and anxious. Most of them felt that their depression had subsided.

Benefits for the cardiovascular system: Yoga has tremendous health benefits for your heart. The powerful “postures” or “asanas” keep the blood flowing while you focus on your breath. It is cardiovascular conditioning that strengthens core muscles while keeping blood and oxygen circulating throughout the body. People who suffer from hypertension can benefit greatly from yoga as it can actually lower their heart rate and blood pressure.

Antioxidant Boost for a Stronger Immune System: A regular practice of yoga helps increase antioxidants throughout the body, which results in a stronger immune system and increases the ability to heal faster against illness or injury. Treatment for autoimmune diseases: It can reduce the symptoms that these diseases usually cause, such as stiffness, malaise, fatigue, and weakness.

Reduces anxiety and stress: Yoga is an effective form of psychological therapy. Because yoga is a form of meditation, it results in a sense of inner peace and purpose. It has been used to help treat a wide variety of emotional and mental disorders, including acute anxiety, depression, and mood swings. Even children can benefit from yoga. People with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder can learn to relax and control themselves through the use of breathing and yoga ‘postures’ ~ ‘asanas’. Insomnia Cure: A regular yoga practice can help cure insomnia, which promotes better and deeper sleep. The deeper you sleep, the less pain chemicals your brain secretes. Plus, it can help fight fatigue and keep you energized throughout the day.

*Always consult your doctor before trying any of these yoga poses and movements or using yoga as a treatment for any injury!

I hope you find this in some way useful. Until then, here is an inspiring quote that I would like to share with you:

“The mind is everything; what you think, you become” ~Buddha

Until then, take care and stay positive in mind and heart!

nicky dares