Yoga and its benefits

Is your life hectic and full of challenges? Do you feel drained at the end of every day? Do you often wonder what kind of exercise could help you lead a fuller life? The answer lies close to home. Today, thousands of people worldwide swear by the curative effects of Yoga. It relaxes both the body and soul. It can be practiced easily within the comfort of your home at your own pace. It is relatively simple and if practiced correctly, Yoga can enhance your life and improve your health. It is not uncommon to visualize Yoga in dark rooms perfumed with incense, where men and women meditate in the lotus position chanting hymns. Though meditation is one major part of Yoga, it is not the only aspect. Yoga basically consists of meditation, asanas (postures) and pranayama (breathing exercises), all applied towards achieving harmony between body and soul. The word “Yoga” itself means “to unite”. The basic philosophy of Yoga is that the mind and the body are one. If given the right stimulation in the right environment, the body can act in synergy with the mind to heal itself. What is the science behind Yoga? According to scientists, Yoga works because it has the following physical benefits:
Yoga increases your body’s flexibility
Yoga helps lubrication and easy movement of ligaments, joints and tendons
Yoga is believed to “massage” all the organs of the body
Yoga helps every part of the body receive optimal blood supply and thus causes a certain amount of ‘detoxification’
Yoga is great for toning your muscles and reducing flab
Being a holistic science, there are some aspects of Yoga that cannot be explained by medical science alone. The best part of Yoga is that it can be practiced by anyone with the right training and motivation. Yoga is also an excellent stress buster. If you have never practiced Yoga before and would like to begin, try and tackle the simpler forms before you move on to the more challenging ones. It is also important to understand that Yoga is a process-oriented activity. This means what you experience matters more than what you achieve. By taking your body and soul through the practice of Yoga, you will learn more about yourself and the perceptions that create your entire world. Over time, you could even gain more control of your emotions. You will realize that Yoga is not just an exercise; it is a way of life. Has your lifestyle changed with Yoga, or have you found it doesn’t suit you? Either way, share your experiences with us.