Boost your well-being with yoga
When talking about yoga, it is natural to first have in mind a series of postures more or less complex. However, this age-old practice, which originated in India and present-day Pakistan, is much more than a simple physical training. It is a philosophy of life dedicated to the health of the whole being, in its physical and subtle aspects. There is nothing surprising, moreover, in the original meaning of the word: in Sanskrit, "yoga" can indeed be translated by "union" or "unity".
By practicing yoga regularly, one develops the connection and balance between body, mind and soul, for optimal and lasting health. You may even be surprised by the extent of its virtues, which are not limited to physical health... Read on to learn more about the multiple benefits of yoga, and why not, immerse yourself in this practice accessible to all!
The many physical benefits of yoga
Strength and flexibility
One of the first benefits of yoga on the physical body is the development of strength and flexibility.
The asanas have the particularity of making certain muscle groups work by precisely dosing comfort and discomfort. Moreover, "asana" can be translated from Sanskrit by "comfortable position"! The muscles are pushed to their limits without damage. By alternating states of contraction and relaxation created by the different postures, the muscle fibers, elastic (regaining their shape after a movement) are gradually strengthened. The muscles are thus worked in depth and become more powerful.
The fascias, or connective tissues between the muscles, stretch and become more flexible from one asana to another. Plastic, their shape adapts to the work of the muscles and gradually allow a better range of movement. At the same time, the yoga postures help to maintain the joints by making them do soft and repetitive movements. This simultaneous effect on the fascias and the joints guarantees a better physical flexibility.
Yoga, beneficial for the whole body
If the "visible" muscle softening and strengthening effect of yoga is the most obvious, its physical benefits on other systems of the body are multiple!
The nervous system is the first beneficiary of a regular practice of yoga. The great importance given to relaxation and breath allows indeed a calming of the sympathetic nervous system, in charge of transmitting stress signals in case of danger (real or perceived). At the same time, it gently stimulates the parasympathetic nervous system, dedicated to relaxation. The result is a balanced nervous system, and thus a reduction of stress in the body.
But that's not all! Yoga also has benefits on :
• The endocrine system, by balancing the production of different hormones (sleep/wake cycles; growth; immune system...etc) and thanks to a renewed blood flow of oxygen,
• Cardiovascular and respiratory systems, by gently stimulating the heart and lungs, especially by concentrating on deep breathing.
• The digestive system, by mobilizing the abdominal muscles and "massaging" the digestive organs,
• Cell regeneration and tissue healing are improved through the development of a general state of relaxation and the reduction of stress in the body.
Now you understand why a yogi or yogini seems to radiate health and energy, regardless of age. Yes, yoga does seem to contribute to a long and happy life. The Tao Porchon-Lynch yogini, for example, is known to have practiced and taught yoga until...101 years old!
A soothed mind and regulated emotions
Developing inner peace
Thanks to its regulating effect on the nervous system mentioned above, yoga also has benefits on the mind and the psychology of the practitioner. The interconnection between the physical and the subtle described by yoga is at work: the physical body relaxed, the mind can also relax.
Moreover, the concentration on the physical sensations during a session encourages the yogini or yogi to return fully to his or her body. Deep breathing, in particular, which is used to "dive" into a posture, also helps the mind to let go. By focusing on inhalation and exhalation, the "little monkey" of the mind is subtly pushed to calm down and distance itself from everyday concerns.
Very quickly, with regular practice, a sense of inner peace unfolds, as well as an increased ability to approach life's challenges with confidence. With better anchoring, the perception of the world and of oneself becomes more flexible, more compassionate, as if mirroring the physical flexibility acquired through asanas.
Making space for emotions
Emotions also play a key role in overall well-being. Good regulation of these is essential to maintain equanimity, vitality and confidence. More precisely, emotions are, by their very nature, made to circulate in the body.
Thanks to yoga, the practitioner develops an inner space and sufficient distance to not ignore them, but on the contrary, to welcome them and allow them to circulate. The mind is soothed and relaxed, it is easier not to identify with them, and to take them for what they are: waves on the surface of the ocean of consciousness, whose nature is to cross the being.
The benefits of yoga at the mental level are therefore essentially based on a fluid circulation of thoughts and emotions, which guarantees the psychological well-being of the practitioner.
Yoga, good for the body, mind... and soul
Purify the subtle bodies
In the yogic tradition, especially in hatha yoga, the subtle bodies have energy channels or "nadis", like the blood vessels and capillaries that irrigate the physical body. Again in its holistic approach (i.e., understanding the human being as a whole, physical, mental/emotional and spiritual/energetic), yoga works to purify the subtle bodies as well by "cleansing" these energy channels. Asanas and breathing exercises facilitate the circulation of "prana" or vital energy, and rid the nadis of their energetic residues. It is therefore a great cleansing that takes place at all levels, guaranteeing improved energy!
In the same way, yoga stimulates the chakras or energy centers, responsible for the circulation of prana through these channels. Stimulated by breathing exercises and postures, each chakra functions more optimally and can therefore better fulfill its unique role. For example, the heart chakra, associated with unconditional love, stimulated by yoga, helps develop greater compassion for oneself and others.
Find the connection to yourself
On a subtle level, the benefits of yoga are thus directed towards a better connection to one's inner self, to one's heart or soul, according to one's preferences. Its practice allows you to progressively re-establish contact with your essence, which animates you as a human being, but also as an individual.
By immersing yourself regularly in asanas, you establish or re-establish the link with who you really are, reconnecting with your inner wisdom and joy. You naturally develop your intuition and ability to discern what is in tune with your unique life path, and are better able to create a life that is like you.
As you will certainly have understood, the benefits of yoga are countless! Ultimately, this practice is designed to help us better circulate everything within us: our blood flow and well-being hormones, our thoughts and emotions, and our subtle energies. A good circulation of all these physical and non-physical flows ensures harmony and vitality throughout life. By practicing yoga, even if you are a beginner, you will cultivate a long-term health of body, mind and soul. So, no more hesitation, put on your yoga pants or leggings, unroll your favorite mat, take a deep breath, and swing like a dog upside down!
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