Yoga For Healthy Living

Yoga is the tool to better health. It is a way of life which promotes harmony of mind, body, and spirit. Yoga strengthens the immune system and controls blood pressure, heart rate, respiratory functions, metabolic rates, body temperature and even brain waves.

This stress- free, low impact form of exercise also helps to reduce anxiety and promotes flexibility. It utilizes a series of breathing exercises and postures (asanas).

It works to stretch, strengthen and relax the body. It is also considered as a safe and effective form of exercise.

The most important difference between yoga and other exercises is, the feeling of relaxation and renewal obtained afterwards. Relaxation is the main goal of yoga.

It also acts as a rehabilitation tool, in helping the body in recovering from injury or illness. There are different styles of yoga. Some of them are more dynamic than others.

Most of the people rely on the slow, meditative breathing that works to relax the mind and body, while deepening the stretch of a posture.

Expert’s opinion is that, it is this deep breathing that is responsible for the health benefits imparted by yoga.

The benefits include;

1. Reduction of hypertension
2. Increase in the blood flow rate towards the heart
3. Improved digestion
4. Promoting deep relaxation

In addition to all these, yoga enables the body to be more flexible, without pressurizing the joints. This makes it an ideal exercise for patients suffering from osteoarthritis, especially of the hands.

Yoga positions are fairly safe, but there are different levels of difficulty. If a person starts off too high initially itself, it may create depression, thereby keeping away the obtainable benefits.

The pace of yoga should be maintained by individuals according to their own needs.

The recent form is a ‘western’ version called power yoga. It is a special kind of yoga. The power yoga consists of a series of difficult yoga postures which helps to promote vigor and stamina. It is best suited for athletes and distance runners to prevent sports injuries.

A more gentle type is the ‘Hatha’ yoga. It is the best one for starters as well as for people suffering from injuries or illnesses. The type of yoga that is most comfortable for us should be selected.

The classes may be concentrated on meditation, breathing exercises, and physical movements. It might be either carried out in a softly lit room or in a well- lit gym, depending upon the instructor.

The goal of learning and practicing yoga should be, to get a healthier, more flexible and relaxed condition.

The breathing exercises that are practiced in yoga are deep-rooted in meditation techniques, enabling relaxation. A constant focus should be maintained on the breath.

An ancient Chinese technique, T’ai Chi, is a method of self- defense. This is considered as a method of improving health in plenty. It imparts strength to muscles and joints, harmonized breathing, and improved circulation.

It includes a lot of positions and specific breathing techniques. It is done in succession, creating dance like movements, which is as smooth as pulling silk from a cocoon.

It provides a well stressed out state, but should be done only under proper guidance, otherwise may cause injury.

Visit Our Website for more HealthCare Articles