The International Day of Yoga on June 21 was started to raise worldwide awareness of yoga's many benefits. But, did you know that yoga is more than just a physical practice? It is also a holistic approach to health and wellbeing. Through physical postures, breath control, and meditation, the practice of yoga is aimed at improving overall health. Developed over thousands of years ago, many people use it today for exercise and stress reduction, but the healing properties of yoga extend beyond the physical and mental to the emotional and spiritual as well.
The Healing Properties of Yoga
Physical
Flexibility: Yoga postures are called asanas. These postures stretch and lengthen muscles which improves flexibility and range of motion. Increased flexibility can alleviate tension and reduce the risk of injury in other forms of exercise as well as in routine activities.
Strength: Many yoga poses require holding body weight in various positions, which helps build muscle strength, particularly in the core, arms, and legs. Improved strength contributes to better posture and overall physical stability.
Balance: Yoga poses help improve balance, reducing the risk of falls, especially as we age. Better balance also makes it easier to move, helps maintain coordination and simply makes your daily activities easier to perform.
Joints: The gentle movements and stretches in yoga help lubricate joints and improve joint health. This can be especially beneficial for those with stiff joints and various types of arthritis. This gentle, enjoyable exercise reduces tension in the joints and improves joint flexibility.
Pain Relief: Regular practice of yoga has been shown to reduce many types of chronic pain conditions. It can be especially helpful for pain in the lower back, neck, and shoulders. Different yoga poses can be used to target specific areas of discomfort. A continued practice can provide lasting relief and even promote healing.
Mental and Emotional
Stress: The controlled breathing exercises in yoga can slow the heartbeat, lower blood pressure, and provide stress relief. Deep breathing and meditation create a state of calmness which reduces stress hormone levels. By teaching people how to respond mindfully to stressors, yoga builds coping skills that carry over into daily life.
Mood: The mind-body connection practiced in yoga can elevate your mood and reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression. Yoga stimulates the release of the body's natural mood enhancers, leaving participants feeling happier and more content.
Mental Clarity: When you do yoga, your brain cells develop new connections, resulting in improved cognitive skills. Yoga strengthens the parts of the brain that help with memory, attention, awareness, thought and language. A regular practice can help clear the mind, enhance concentration, and boost mental clarity and alertness.
Emotional Healing: Yoga provides a safe space for emotional exploration and release. Through mindful movement and breathwork, we can process and release stored emotions, leading to emotional healing and greater resilience.
Spiritual
Connection to Self: The practice of yoga in centered around self-awareness and introspection. It is seeking connection to one's true self or higher consciousness. Through meditation and reflection, we can explore life’s big questions and create a sense of purpose and meaning in life.
Oneness: In today’s culture, we see ourselves as separate from each other and from nature. The word yoga, however, means union. Through the practice of yoga, we can experience a sense of interconnectedness with all beings and the universe which, in turn, helps us to transcend feelings of separation and isolation.
Compassion: Yoga philosophy emphasizes kindness, compassion, and non-harming towards oneself and others. By practicing yoga, we learn to approach ourselves and the world with empathy and understanding. We build self-compassion and begin to foster a more compassionate worldview.
Spiritual Growth: For many, yoga serves as a spiritual path or journey of self-discovery and personal growth. Through regular practice and study, individuals can deepen their spiritual connection and align with their higher purpose.
Get Started
As yoga continues to grow in popularity, it is easier and easier to start a practice. Individual yoga studios are popping up everywhere and many local gyms offer group classes as well. However, if you prefer to practice at home, all you need to begin is a quiet, uncluttered space and a mat. Yoga books and DVD’s are great ways to begin or join an online yoga class or find an app like YOGA. Remember to set realistic goals for yourself and start with beginner’s basic skills. Set aside 10-15 minutes to start and build your time as you go. Before you begin, be sure to check with your physician if you have any questions or health concerns.
Whether you start your practice for fitness, stress relief, or spiritual growth, yoga offers a holistic approach to wellbeing. And, as more people recognize the many benefits of yoga and the impact it has on their lives, it will continue to grow in popularity and spread its positive effects far and wide. Good luck on your journey! Namaste.
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