YOGA AND WELLBEING – THE BENEFITS

Why Yoga and not the gym?  The ancient science of Yoga has a holistic viewpoint of exercise.  It is a ‘work-in’ rather than a work-out because postures are practiced with awareness and muscle tension is released.  The mind is soothed, the body stretched and this gives the body a chance to turn on healing mechanisms.  Movement and stretching the adult body alleviates degeneration.  Relaxed focus on being present in your body alleviates stress.

Here are the Benefits of the postures that come with regular practice ……             

Standing Postures

• Help eliminate aches, pains and tension by invigorating the body and mind

• Develop flexibility of the lower back and pelvis and the muscle strength of the legs

• Improve blood circulation and breathing

• Bring mobility and also strength to the knees, hips, shoulders and neck

•  Help internally by alleviating constipation, regulating the kidneys, and stimulating digestion

• Help in strengthening character, building up confidence and willpower.

Reclining postures (Supine – lying, Prone – facing the floor)

• Supine poses are generally done at the end of the yoga lesson as a cooling down process

• Prone poses can rejuvenate and energize the body and strengthen the back and arms

• Reclining poses strengthen arms, back, legs and abdomen and increase hip & spine mobility.

Seated Postures

• Calming postures to relieve tiredness, soothe the nerves and refresh the brain

• Help blood pressure regulation and restful sleep

• Increase flexibility in the hips, hamstrings and lower back. 

Back Bends

• Encourage deep breathing

• Can help lift depression, develop courage and energize the body

• Increase flexibility of the spine, strengthen shoulders & arms, stimulate the nervous system.

Forward Bends

• Tend to help digestion, calm the emotions and improve blood circulation

• Lengthen the hamstrings and stretch the lower back.

Twists

• Tend to balance, free, and energize the body

• Bring about flexibility to the upper back, hips and spine

• Sitting twists can increase the range of motion of the spine

• Relieve stiff necks, backaches, shoulder aches and headaches

• Aid digestion and relieve constipation.

Side Bends

• Stimulate the main organs of the body e.g. the stomach, the liver, the spleen and the kidneys.

Balancing Postures

• Develop strength, lightness and agility

• Tone the muscles, help in concentration, coordination and control of body.

Inverted Postures

• Revitalize the whole body and mind by bringing fresh blood to the heart and head

• Tone the glandular system and internal organs

• Improve blood circulation, stimulate brain function and refresh tired legs.