At
its core, Yoga is the ancient practice of uniting the mind and body
through body conditioning and meditation. As a practice dating back
centuries, various types of yoga have arisen. Major branches include:
Hatha Yoga, Karma Yoga, Jnana Yoga, Bhakti Yoga, and Raja Yoga. The
benefits of yoga are quite countless and each individual’s journey
will bring untold physical, mental, philosophical and spiritual advancements.
However mysterious and innumerable these benefits, certain physical
benefits are widely accepted by all yoga practitioners and experts as
well as physical education leaders and even the common bystander.
Increased flexibility is by far the most noticeable of benefits of
yoga. By simply leafing through an instructional text or watching a
yoga session on TV, it’s easy to see a wide range of yoga poses,
which extend limbs and spine into seemingly impossible positions. This
flexibility is attained with slow and continual practice and extension;
it is the gradual limbering of joints upon hours of concentration and
trained guidance, which gives way to additional physical benefits.
One of the benefits of yoga includes muscle toning. Yoga practice involves
re-visiting the same poses daily or on some continual schedule. By introducing
the body to similar yoga poses regularly, weak muscles are challenged
in increments. Flaccid muscles can then build muscle tone as they strive
daily to reach not only the same, but also an advanced level of the
pose.
Detoxification is one of the underappreciated benefits of yoga. Daily
stretching and yoga positioning is not just holding a position, but
relaxing into that position through meditation and breathing exercises.
You might not realize how much of a sweat is worked up during a yoga
routine; however, positions that not only challenge the muscles, but
also expand oxygen intake and circulation, allow toxins to move freely
from the system. Drinking plenty of water before and after a yoga routine
is essential from detoxifying and hydrating the body.
While increased concentration, meditation, peace of mind and improved
confidence are assured benefits of yoga, some individuals might be surprised
to find how helpful yoga is for the body’s organs. As the body
relaxes into yoga poses, the skeletal and circulator structure of the
body becomes aligned. In doing so, organs have a chance to not only
flow freely and to the best of their ability, but also through the continual
movement of certain poses, organs are massaged by the tendons and muscles
surrounding them. This massage stimulates the organs without adding
undo pressure much in the way a back massage stimulates circulation
and muscle relaxation.
For most yoga practitioners, the most important benefit of yoga is
bringing the body into balance. The mind, skeletal structure, tendons
and muscles as well as circulation and senses unite in order to avoid
collapse, discomfort and muscle tearing. Yoga requires tuning in to
the body’s natural movements and range of flexibility. By doing
so, an individual has the opportunity to find moments of harmony despites
busy schedules and physical ailments. And so can you.