Yoga is a self-knowledge philosophy that aims to help the human being identify with its true self and to connect it with the universe through the practice of techniques and millenary procedures.
Its primary objective is to harmonize the physical body with the breathing and the mind through breathing techniques (pránáyámas), postures (ásanas) and static meditation or movement meditation. In addition, a regular practice balances the energy centers (chakras) and allows vital energy (prána) to flow freely throughout the whole body, increasing, therefore, vitality.
In this article, you will find out why this millenary practice is so wonderful not only for the body but also and mostly for the mind.
Some of its main benefits are:
1. Provide the enough amount of oxygen to body cells so that they work properly
We learn to oxygenate cells and to eliminate carbon dioxide through pránáyámas. Prána is the vital energy; it is what provides strength and life to the organs and cells, thus promoting a rebalancing of the organism.
2. Reduce anxiety and stress
The static meditation or movement meditation practiced in yoga leads one to focus in the present, emptying the mind of problems. Pránáyámas are also great allies in helping the organism to rebalance and in leading it to a state of relaxation, reducing all accumulated stress.
3. Increase physical energy
Yoga practice improves endurance and strengthens muscles with different intensity levels.
4. Provide a larger emotion control
Yoga aims at balancing and stabilizing our emotions. We learn how to deal with our emotions, fears, physical and psychic chains, frustrations, regrets, anger. A regular yoga practice allows one to be more conscious of these emotional states.
5. Restore sleep
The relaxation state caused by Yoga helps in sleep. As a result, yoga increases the production of melatonin, the hormone that regulates the sleep cycle, leading, therefore, to a more restoring rest.
6. Improve the quality of life
A daily Yoga practice works our physical and mental body, helping us to look at life from a different perspective and to promote focus, energy and positivity.
7. Increase flexiblity and balance
The breathing exercises, meditation and relaxation help us to focus on the present moment.
Flexibility is not a Yoga precondition; however, it helps to maintain the joints, tendons and muscles flexible and to avoid injuries and to keep in shape.
8. Activate the parasympathetic nervous system
It is what causes a hypertension drop, as well as improving a blood flow in the bowels and genitals.
This is why the practice of Yoga is so important and it might help in everything.
I hope this article helps you to have a different perspective of Yoga, because yoga is much more than just physical exercises! It should be practiced every day, every moment, not only on the yoga mat, but everywhere.
Good practices!
“Yoga is like music: the rhythm of the body, the melody of the mind and the harmony of the soul compose the symphony of life.”
B.K.S. Iyengar
