Healing Power Of Yoga
June 16, 2008 by admin
Filed under Yoga, Yoga Health and Fitness
Yoga is one of the best exercises for physical and emotional healing. Its benefits are numerous, and it can be practiced by anyone who is interested in it. It can be used to de-stress. Stress has been known to cause chronic diseases such as reproductive problems, heart problems, immune system problems, arthritis, depression, and anxiety. Because yoga also helps in healing the mind, the healthy mind can influence a much healthier body.
Yoga’s effects on the body are tremendous as well. Your muscles are exercised by gentle stretching and relaxing. Your breathing and blood circulation improves as well. You will develop stronger muscles, thus, a stronger body, which is an effective tool against illnesses whether viral or stress-related in nature.
Relaxation is brought about by yoga through breathing techniques and strong but gentle poses. The poses target the parasympathetic nervous system, a useful component of the autonomic nervous system that deals with the rest-and-repose mechanism of the body. Thus, optimal function of this component would ensure that the damage sustained from too much stress is contained. Stress can manifest through sudden heart rate increase, shallow breathing, excessive sweating, and muscle tension. While these are normal reactions of the body, sometimes, stress can be too much. So much so that the normal coping mechanisms of the body through the parasympathetic nervous system are arrested, and we succumb to illnesses. Yoga is an effective guard against this overload. It restores our body to its natural balance.
Stress is also the reason behind increased cortisol levels throughout the body. This leads to immune system suppression, which in turn will lead chronic diseases such as those mentioned above as well as sleep disturbances, loss of appetite, and loss of sex drive. In addition, wear and tear on our organs can be attributed to stress.
Yoga’s relaxation techniques can counteract against the physical manifestation of stress. In addition, it can improve the performance of the circulatory, digestive, reproductive, immune, and glandular systems, to name a few.
The asanas, or physical poses, in yoga enhances the circulation of blood and fluids to different parts of the body. Its breathing exercises improve the function of the lungs, as well as restore our peace of mind. Many people who have tried practicing yoga regularly become less dependent on medication and other forms of treatment. While this may be appealing, remember that the positive effects of yoga do not happen overnight. The therapeutic effects of yoga are felt in the long run, but if you are patient and continue practicing yoga, you will begin to feel healthier than you have ever felt before.




Comments