Wednesday, July 27, 2011

Reasons To Learn Yoga And Relax

By Gav Hodge


There are many conditions that can be treated or improved with the practice of yoga. These include panic disorder, general anxiety, stress and even depression. Controlled breathing, meditation and stretching can all work as an effective form of therapy. Both the body and the mind are benefited together. Therefore, individuals with many different problems can successfully learn yoga and relax.

The practice of Dirga Pranayama involves controlled breathing. It begins with inhaling and drawing breath from the lower belly just at or below the belly button. The air should then move to the low portion of the chest, or the lower rib cage. Finally it arrives in the low throat above the sternum. The movement between all three sections of the abdominal region should be continuous.

With each exhalation, air should retrace this same pathway. Air begins in the lower throat region, traveling next to the chest, and then the lower belly. As a hand is placed on each of these areas, it should sense the air as it passes on by. Practice makes this technique effortless. The goal is to take breaths up and down the entire body that move in waves.

Taking long deep breaths has been proven scientifically to activate the parasympathetic nervous system. Upon activation, blood pressure lowers and it stops rushing to muscles. It instead diverts and travels to the body's other systems. These include the reproductive, glandular, digestive and immune systems. Energy is devoted to actively healing any daily damage in these areas.

As a form of meditation, the mind must focus only on each passing breath. This type of focus helps yogis stay in the moment and prevents them from worrying about the future or past. Depression is alleviated as individuals find learn not to think about past things that went wrong. Those with anxiety are helped because they also can not worry about the things that may happen in the future.

With slow relaxed breaths the mind is calmed in addition to the body. It has no opportunity to think negative or apprehensive thoughts as its focus is only on presently moving air. With time, both body and mind experience a state of peace.

Most yoga positions can be maintained for significant time periods. Holding on to a position, yogis need to keep practicing breathing and focus techniques. Deep breathing and meditation during a stretch offers physical, mental and emotional benefits. Strength is gained by the body and flexibility improves as the mind gains focus and control.

Beginners start with easy positions. Every yoga session needs to first include warm ups targeting the shoulders, neck, core, legs and arms. Then basic standing or seated poses can be attempted. Do not try anything that is too advanced without mastering the basics beforehand. Hold a pose and practice focusing and relaxing.

Yoga is a great therapy for reducing levels of depression, stress and anxiety. Yogis relax their bodies by controlling their every breath. They focus alone on breathing and so their minds gain calmness and tranquility. These techniques combined during a stretch offer bodily as well as mental strength.




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