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Back to Yoga & Meditation Archives
Yoga Health
courtesy of Yoga JournalStress is one area where Yoga can be helpful. We all need a certain amount of stress in our lives but when it restricts our daily life it can become a problem and affect our health. We are all individuals and what may be positive stress for one person might be negative for another. It is important, therefore, that we learn to recognize our own capabilities and find ways of managing stressful events in our lives. It is not always possible or practical to avoid the situations that cause the stress so we have to find a way of assisting ourselves to cope with the situation. We should all learn to take responsibility for our own health and bodies and Yoga is one way of achieving this. Yoga asanas are particularly helpful in relation to stress as they have a profound effect on the whole mind and body. The spine nourishes our central nervous system and the condition of our spine is largely responsible for our physical and emotional well-being. In Yoga practice the spine is the most exercised part of the body so it is easy to see the benefits of Yoga practice. Yoga postures also help to stimulate the lymphatic system helping to remove toxins from the body which if allowed to accumulate cause pain and stiffness in the muscles and joints. The functioning of the glands is also regulated creating the correct balance in our system.
As well as the postures, correct breathing is another important feature of Yoga practice. Breathing is one of the most important functions of the body and all other functions depend on it. Most of us use only a fraction of our lung capacity resulting in tension in the neck and back, improper functioning of the digestive system and a build up of toxins in the system. Pranyama is the name given to Yoga breathing techniques. Benefits which can be derived from correct breathing are improved circulation, reduced tension, increased oxygen supply to all body cells and extra vitality due to more efficient supply of prana or life force throughout the body.
Meditation is also another yoga practice, which aims to cut out the distractions of everyday life allowing the meditator to look within for peace and tranquility.
When talking about Yoga it is also important to consider our eating habits and diet, which are by no means ideal. We eat too quickly and consume a lot of convenience foods that are lacking in goodness. If we understand that the purpose of eating is to supply our being with life-force or prana then we see that the best nutritional plan is a diet of fresh, natural foods not containing harmful additives. We should also eat in a calm, relaxed atmosphere and chew food thoroughly as digestion begins in the mouth.
It is easy for us to make excuses about not having enough time for regular exercise but it only requires about 15-20 minutes a day. The best times for practicing are either first thing in the morning, as this makes you more able to cope with any problems that the day might bring, or last thing at night which will help to promote a peaceful nights sleep ensuring that you awake more refreshed. A few simple breathing exercises practiced at lunchtime can give an energy boost for the rest of the day.
Although people of most ages and most physical abilities can practice Yoga, it is advisable to check with a doctor before undertaking any program of regular exercise. It is important to find a qualified teacher in your area who will be able to give you the correct advice for practice. Most areas run evening classes at their local colleges of education.