The aim of Yoga is to unite the body, mind and the spirit. The mind and the body are one and if taken to the right environment and given the right tools, it can find harmony and heal itself. Therefore, Yoga is considered therapeutic; it helps a person become more aware of the body’s alignment, patterns and posture. Yoga helps a person body to relax and become more flexible even in the midst of stress stricken surroundings. In essence, Yoga helps a person to be more energetic, happier, fitter and more peaceful. Yoga has been practiced all over the world for thousands of years with proven positive results.
Physical and mental therapies are the two most important aspects of yoga. The aging process can be slowed down by practicing yoga, as the body is kept well lubricated and more flexible hence slowing catabolic cell process which leads to autointoxication also commonly referred to as self-poisoning. A combined practice of Pranayama, Yogasanas and Meditation helps reap maximum benefits of Yoga.
Effects of ailments such as diabetes, arthritis, blood pressure, chronic fatigue, digestive disorder, heart conditions and asthma can be slowed down by regular practice of Yoga. Recent researches on the effects of yoga on the life of people suffering from HIV have given very positive result and it is hoped that Yoga will complement other medication in handling the effects of HIV.
Yoga therapy is very successful as it creates a balance in the endocrine and nervous system, which in turn influences directly all the other systems and body organs. In this case, Yoga acts as curative and preventive therapy. Attainment of relaxed state of living, improved concentration, mental balance and harmony in relationship is achieved though practice of Yoga.
Yoga has three main benefits, namely;
- Physiological Benefits
- Psychological benefits
- Spiritual benefits
Physiological Benefits
Yoga relieves symptoms of several common severe and life threatening illnesses such as chronic fatigue, arthritis, AIDS, asthma, diabetes and obesity. In India for example, extensive research have shown that Yoga greatly improve asthma. Besides, Asthma attacks can only be prevented and reduced by practicing yoga without necessary taking drugs. Improved abilities to concentrate on the three aspects of yoga and practice of simple postures make asthma treatment more effective, besides reducing anxiety. There is consensus among doctors and health advisors all over the world, regular practice of yoga helps patients, by enabling them to gain access to their own internal experience and increased self awareness.
Those patients who practice Yoga have far better chances of controlling breathing and respiratory problems through Yogic breathing exercises without necessary seeking medical assistance. The exercise and relaxation components of yoga play major roles in treatment, management and prevention of high blood pressure. Yogic breathing combined with biofeedback and relaxation techniques lower blood pressure and reduce dependent on medication for people suffering from high blood pressure.
Yoga help to reduce pain by enabling the pain regulation and control by the brain’s pain center. The breathing exercises also reduce pain as it help in muscles relaxation. Lengthened exhalation time help produce relaxation and significantly reduce tension. This breathing awareness achieves slower and calmer respiration hence aiding relaxation and pain mangement.
For patient suffering from arthritis, yoga gentle exercise relief troubled joints through slow motion movements and gentle pressures. Easy stretches combined with deep breathing exercises help in relieving the tension that fasten the muscle further tightening the joints. Yoga is the proven formula for effective treatment of arthritis.
Psychological benefits
Well coordinated regular Yoga practices help creates mental calmness and clarity. It also increases body awareness and relieve severe stress patterns. It relaxes the mind, sharpens concentration and centers a person attention.
People who practice yoga have increased self awareness on both psychological and physical levels. Through study of yoga, patients learn on how to induce relaxation and then use this technique for their own benefit when faced with pain. People suffering from depression and feeling of helplessness can greatly benefits from yoga as a tool to reduce and prevent depression, hopelessness and helplessness.
There is increased mental performance through yoga practice like breathing with one nose as it result in increased activity on the opposite side of the brain. This practice also helps in improved coordination and communication between the left and the right side of the brain leading to improved cognitive performance. Practicing yoga over a long period of time has positive results on a person’s energy level and outlook hence greatly improving the mode and vitality.
Spiritual Benefits
Achievement of Yogic spirit is the beginning of one inner peace, which brings about values in discovering what is most important in the personal journey of life. When practiced persistently Hatha, an aspect of yoga, help to eliminate pride and anxiety about pride. Those people who have feel dejected because of their failure to accomplish life goal find relieve and refreshment through practicing of yoga leading to increased self respect and increased self confidence. Beside personal inner peace, those who attain inner peace and respect are empowered to boldly approach and teach other on how to achieve cohesiveness in their life.
Knowledge is another spiritual aspect gained from yoga. The spiritual self knowledge is far much different from practical or technical knowledge which is lost as people indulge in all kind of life activities. This knowledge is genuine as it helps a person enjoy himself as he or she is, rather than on what he or she should be.
Practicing yoga is very beneficial to a person, whether in health or in sickness. The unification of the three part of the human being i.e. the body, the mind and the spirit, is very important for journey of life to be worth. Most of the severe, life threatening illness can only be managed; prevented and treated through regular yogic practices as opposed to medications.The body has the capability to heal itself when it is in the right environment. Yoga brings the much needed cohesiveness, benefiting a person socially, psychologically and spiritually, hence making a person’s life more peaceful, happier and energetic.
Reference
Benefits of Yoga, Web.
Martin Kirk, Brooke Boon (2005) Hatha Yoga Illustrated, Human Kinetic Publishers, United States.
Sherry Roberts (2000) The Benefits of Yoga, Web.
Thomas Claire (2003) Yoga for Men: Postures for Healthy, Stress-Free Living, Career publishers, United States.