Effects of Yoga on Mental and Physical Health

The conceptual background of yoga has its origins in ancient Indian philosophy. There are numerous modern schools or types of yoga (i.e., Iyengar, Viniyoga, Sivananda, etc.), each having its own distinct emphasis regarding the relative content of physical postures and exercises (asanas), breathing techniques (pranayama), deep relaxation, and meditation practices that cultivate awareness and ultimately more profound states of consciousness. The application of yoga as a therapeutic intervention, which began early in the twentieth century, takes advantage of the various psycho physiological benefits of the component practices. The physical exercises (asanas) may increase patient’s physical flexibility


Yoga and Mental Health

The word yoga is Sanskrit for Yoke, or union. In the practice of yoga we seek to create union between the mind and body 
1.Yoga is the perfect example of holistic health because of this combination of mind and body. After all the body cannot exist without the mind and vice versa. 
2.By repairing the body, we are more able to repair the mind. If you feel tense in the neck, shoulders, or hips, you’ll find it more difficult to relax and be happy. 
3.In order to do this Yoga is comprised of the asana (physical postures) and a philosophy that offers tools to finding true, lasting happiness. and also mental health

Increasing Flexibility – yoga has positions that act upon the various joints of the body including those joints that are never really on the ‘radar screen’ let alone exercised. 

Complete Detoxification – By gently stretching muscles and joints as well as massaging the various organs, yoga ensures the optimum blood supply to various parts of the body. This helps in the flushing out of toxins from every nook and cranny as well as providing nourishment up to the last point. This leads to benefits such as delayed ageing, energy and a remarkable zest for life.

Excellent toning of the muscles – Muscles that have become flaccid or weak are stimulated repeatedly to shed excess flab and flaccidity. 

While the philosophy remains fairly consistent among different disciplines the physical aspect of yoga comes in a few forms.

Vinyasa- a strengthening flow class, postures lead into postures 

Hatha- postures are held for minutes, this is believed to really affect the body, as each posture is designed to gain health benefits. The longer you hold the pose, the more effective it is. 

Vini- a gentle type of yoga, well suited for those just starting out, or for those who’d like to go at a slower pace 

Kundalini- this school of thought believes that nerve centers in the body can get clogged up or inactive and this leads to poor health. 

Kundalini’s repetitive posture flows (kriyas) unlock these blocks and leave you feeling wonderfully energized yet peaceful. -Thai Yoga Massage- in some circumstances it is more helpful to have your instructor stretch your body out. First working out the muscles with massage technique then stretching them. 

Aero Yoga- also known as partner yoga, involving holds, mutual balancing, and a lot of fun -Iyengar Yoga- (prop yoga) created by a yoga master named Iyengar in India, this type of yoga is very therapeutic. You are placed into positions with various props (blocks, straps, chairs, 

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