The Benefits of Yoga

One of the more important benefits of yoga is physical and mental therapy. Aging is largely an artificial condition, caused mainly by autointoxication or self-poisoning. We can significantly reduce the catabolic process of cell deterioration by keeping the body parts clean and well lubricated. To get the maximum benefits of yoga one has to follow three main guidelines i.e., practice of Asanas(postures), Pranayama(breathing practice), Yoga Nidra(proper relaxation) and dhyana(meditation).

Frequent practice of Asanas helps to keep our

• muscles fit,
• controls cholesterol levels,
• reduces weight,
• normalizes blood pressure and
• improves heart performance.

 

Physical fitness leads to reduction of physical stress and greater vitality. Asanas harmonize our pranic ability and mental energy flow by clearing any blockages in the subtle body; leading to mental equilibrium and calmness. They make the mind strong, thus enabling our human body to suffer pain and unhappiness with fortitude and stoicism.

The practices of pranayama - the correct breathing technique - helps to manipulate our energies. Most of us breathe incorrectly; purely thoracically and not using our abdomen, thereby utilizing only half of our lung capacity.

Pranayama is a technique which re-educates our breathing processes, helps to release tensions and develops a relaxed state of mind. It balances our nervous system, reducing the need for sleep and encouraging creative thinking. Further, it increases the amount of oxygen to our brain, thereby improving mental clarity, alertness and physical well being.

Yoga Nidra is a wonderful relaxation meditation, done while lying on our back in Shavasana. It relaxes the whole of our physiological /psychological system, thus completely rejuvenating the body/mind complex. A tense body/mind is the cause of most diseases, whereas a relaxed mind improves social relationships and enhances well-being.

Dhyana is the practice of meditation. Yoga was originally developed to leads us towards meditation. The mind will be brought under perfect control by regular practice of meditation.(See section on meditation for guidance).

Regular practice of Asanas, Pranayama, Yoga Nidra and dhyana can help such diverse ailments as

• diabetes,
• blood pressure,
• digestive disorders,
• arthritis,
• arteriosclerosis,
• chronic fatigue,
• asthma,
• varicose veins and
• heart conditions.

 

Laboratory tests have proved yogi's ability to consciously control autonomic or involuntary functions, such as temperature, heartbeat and blood pressure. Research into the effects of yogic practices on HIV is currently underway with promising results.

According to medical scientists, yoga therapy is successful because of the balance created in the nervous and endocrine systems which directly influences all the other systems and organs of the body. Today there can be no longer be any doubt of yoga's effectiveness as both a curative and preventive medicine.

The teachings of yoga have been extended to prisons also, in order to reform the criminal minds, to reduce the stress, anxiety levels and aggressiveness of prisoners. The army also practices it. Here the main reason for practicing it is to give combatants the mental fitness to overcome the psychological problems during their encounters in battle - in desert areas and in high altitude areas.

Through the practice of yoga, one develops awareness of the inter-relation between the emotional, mental and physical states, and how a disturbance in any one of these affects the others. Gradually this awareness leads to an understanding of the more subtle areas of existence. The ultimate goal of yoga is to expand your consciousness; to open your eyes to vast numbers of things around you, of which at present you are unaware

Start gradually - half an hour of practise everyday is recommended. You should follow each session with at least three to ten minutes of the Corpse Pose, followed by one or two breathing exercises. Never force a position, if you feel pain or discomfort - Stop. Stay focused on your body; feel its motions - close your eyes, if it helps. Always breath in and out through your nostrils - The Wood Chopper being the exception. Here, you should exhale very forcefully through the mouth. (This exercise is a very powerful tension reliever and energizer but those with back problems might find it too demanding.) Try to coordinate your breathing to the movements. The seated poses may be done either in Full Lotus, Half Lotus or in a chair.

Steady effort will bring lasting results.