By Kate P Smith
There are many health benefits that can be achieved through practicing yoga. Not only does it promote flexibility, strength, balance and provide a fantastic physical workout, but it is one of the few exercise regimes that can have a huge influence on our mental state. Learning yoga techniques and postures can help you achieve mental clarity, focus, relaxation and overall emotional balance.
A huge cause of many Western illnesses is stress. Stress can lead to many serious illnesses, such as irritable bowel syndrome, high blood pressure, weakness of the immune system, and even strokes and cardiovascular disease. Most commonly, sufferers can develop anxiety, depression, OCD and loss of concentration. Yoga’s ability to combat stress is well recognised, not only by yoga practitioners, but also by many health professionals.
The response of the nervous system to life’s problems can trigger stress in our metabolism. The body’s reaction to this process is known as the ‘fight or flight’ response – the mind and body, faced with ‘danger’, prepares to either run or stay and fight. Physically, this can manifest itself through increased heart rate, elevated blood pressure, tense muscles and shallow breathing. Internally, blood flow to internal organs and processes that are no vital at that time (such as digestion), are shut down. While this can be beneficial during times of danger in the short term, long term the body has less resources to function properly. When stressed, even the smallest of problems can trigger this response, leaving you feeling tense and drained for long periods of time.
What yoga essentially does is harmonise the body with the mind. The practice of yoga and meditation techniques works remarkably to achieve this harmony, enabling the mind to work in sync with the body. Yoga reduces the harmful effects of stress factors on the body, be lessening the ‘fight or flight’ response through breathing and relaxation techniques. It also promotes positive thinking, enabling you to view adverse factors as challenges rather than fears. This allows the mind to focus on finding solutions, rather than creating worry.
There’s no doubt that yoga can offer tremendous benefits to your own life and wellbeing, both physically and mentally.
Find out how to get started on your own yoga program at http://www.yogatechniquesdirect.info