Yoga

Yoga - An important physical relaxation technique
Relaxation Techniques from Mind Tools

by Kellie Fowler

Many people turn to yoga for simple reasons, perhaps they just enjoy it, perhaps they find it relieves stress, maybe yoga helps them to better cope with life’s ups and downs, or perhaps it's because a physician has prescribed it. Regardless of the reason for participating in yoga, the result is almost always a more fulfilled life.


If you have tried yoga, you already know that it can help you achieve your goals with a clearer head, a more in-tune body and a renewed spirit.



In this article, we will take a look at the many benefits of yoga but we must caution that no physical fitness program should be taken on without the knowledge and consent of your personal physician.


Before we discuss the benefits of yoga, we should also point out that the body is actually an energy system with close interplay between breathing, heart beat and brain function. Yoga provides a useful maintenance service for this system.


Working from the premise that “Life is breath, breath is life,” yoga places great emphasis on making the breathing deep, rhythmic and effective. The principle here is that essential thoughts and messages are delivered more effectively when the body is relaxed and the brain is well-oxygenated, helping the body and mind to work more successfully while feeling less tired and less stressed.


Yoga breathing (as we see in a later article in this newsletter) lowers blood pressure and brings intense relaxation. Of course, shallow breathing does not always cause unclear thinking or low spirits, but it has been medically linked with attacks of depression, mood swings and other various disorders.


Furthermore, improved appearance through better posture, muscle and skin-tone, follows the dedicated practice of yoga. Bones are strengthened and joints become more flexible. And, it can be amazing to see how much more flexible the body is and how much more positive one’s outlook becomes with just a few month’s of yoga practice.


If you are unable to locate a reputable yoga studio in your area, you may benefit from purchasing a DVD or video that allows you to practice yoga in your home. Keep in mind, many of these can be checked-out at your local library or even previewed over the Internet before purchasing.


An alternative approach is to use the streamed video yoga exercises provided by the Yoga Learning Center. These videos are unbeatable for soothing tense and aching muscles, and helping participants relax deeply with proven stress relieving yoga techniques. Their programs (many of which are at an introductory level) include yoga poses and stretches that will help revitalize your mind and body and refresh your spirit.