Science is finally beginning to realize the strong connection that exists between the mind and the body in its various processes, particularly in its consideration of the negative effects caused by increased stress. The mind is generally understood to operate in basically two states, the conscious and unconscious. When one is practicing yoga or pilates, though, the mind is able to enter yet a third state that exists somewhere between conscious and unconscious. In this state, it is capable of regulating the body’s processes, can conceive of the events that are occurring around it and yet remain unaffected and unconcerned with these issues as it works to heal the body. This other state of consciousness can be achieved through yoga or pilates and provide a great deal of health benefits.
Yoga and pilates are both forms of exercise that work on stretching the body, building the muscles and regulating the breathing. A relaxed meditation state is brought on when an individual is naturally able to keep their breathing deep, slow and steady, rhythmic and comfortable during their exercise session. The mind is able to remain occupied with achieving the various postures of yoga as the body stretches and grows even as it is able to consider the more pressing concerns of life. It is also able to do these things during the more active process of pilates. This natural stimulation is part of the reason why so many individuals find it difficult to ‘clear your mind’ when attempting meditation and end up quitting because they feel it is not gaining them benefit. However, achieving this state of mind is relatively effortless when you are engaged in physical activity and it can give a lot of health benefits.
The physical benefits of in relieving the problems of stress just begin with deep breathing associated with exercise. Deep breathing triggers a reflex in the parasympathetic nervous system and helps to improve the quality of the blood supply. It also aids in the elimination of toxins from the body’s circulatory system while it increases the body’s abilities to digest and assimilate food. In turn, the central nervous system, glands and skin all benefit from the increased oxygen supply, quickly rejuvenating the body and slowing or even reversing some effects of the aging process. The natural movement of deep breathing also serves as a massage unit to the abdominal organs and the heart, working to stimulate better blood circulation in these areas and reducing the amount of work required of the heart, which further reduces blood pressure and decreases heart disease. By burning up excess fat more efficiently when you are overweight or feeding starving tissues and glands when you are underweight, deep breathing acts as an internal weight regulator. This is all even without the additional benefits gained through exercise of improved balance, stronger muscles or better tone.
Stress can have a lot of negative effects on the body in terms of reduced circulation and shallow breathing. However, the benefits of exercise such as pilates and yoga, can counteract the bad effects of stress. Just the breathing associated with these exercises has the effect of relaxing the mind and body, allowing the subconscious or third conscious to work out its issues. This gives the body greater circulation, soothes the nervous system, regulates fat and assists in removing toxins from the body’s tissues. Mind and body are cleaned, toned and freed of pollution.