The practice of yoga has now been proven to have medicinal benefits derived from its cleansing faculty. Experts have discovered how certain yoga techniques are able to cure a long list of diseases and disorders, aside from its preventive abilities.
One of the physical benefits we can derive from the practice of yoga is improved flexibility. Most yoga positions tap on the full movements of several joints in the body—even those that are not usually exercised in our everyday routines. Likewise, different yoga positions increase the lubrication of our ligaments and tendons which leads to the body’s flexibility even on those parts that we don’t usually exercise on purpose. This usually happens especially for most advanced yoga practitioners. Several people have had their researches on various yoga positions and what has been found out is that the manner by which certain parts of the body are moved while doing yoga tends to be non-strenuous because they are interrelated. When these positions are done all at the same time, flexibility is easily attained.
Aside from an increase in flexibility, the practice of yoga for health purposes is also beneficial for our internal organs. It is said that yoga is the only physical activity that is able to massage all our internal organs at the same time. This includes glands and organs that have not been externally stimulated since birth. Massaging our internal organs serves as a preventive measure against all types of diseases. It also becomes a sort of caution for a more likely instance of disease or disorder. Advanced yoga practitioners develop this strange awareness about their bodies as if they can predict the onset of a disease or infection. In turn, they are able to take the necessary preemptive measures.
More than anything else, all kinds of yoga techniques contribute to the complete detoxification of the body. By simply stretching our muscles and joints, and at the same time, massaging all our internal organs, yoga ensures that all parts of the body are receiving enough blood supply. Yoga also aids the body in flushing out every ounce of toxin and replacing them with proper nourishment. Detoxification, with the help of yoga, leads to countless physical benefits such as delayed aging. It would also affect us mentally and emotionally as detoxification can relieve stress and improve our outlook in life.
Yoga can also make us more energetic and strong. It tones the muscles with repeated stimulation. Regular practice of various types of yoga techniques will help us shed that excess flab and replace it with a well-sculpted body.
But all these are mere side effects. The real benefits of yoga can be obtained with meditation. Yoga and meditation harmonizes the mind and the body. Yoga practitioners believe that if the mind wills it, the body shall perform accordingly. There is a direct connection between our mental and physical self. Yoga and meditation helps the mind work in sync with the body to achieve remarkable feats.
Yoga and meditation prevents stress and anxiety which causes various diseases. Yoga corrects a lifestyle that promotes emotional fatigue and depression. Yoga and meditation provides emotional balance. It allows you to detach yourself from problems and all possible stressors around you. The calmness you can draw from the practice of yoga techniques provide a positive outlook in life that greatly benefits your physical health.
What is Needed for Yoga: Equipment
Unlike other fitness activities, you don’t need to spend money on expensive gym equipment and apparel in practicing yoga techniques. There are a few basic things you might need in a yoga session but these would not require you to shell out a hefty amount which might even cause you more stress. Here is a list of the things you should bring in a yoga class or you probably need to invest on if you want to do yoga at home with a personal trainer.
Basic Clothing and Gears. It is recommended to wear comfortable, breathable clothing in yoga practice. It is advised to wear a form-fitting shirt simply because most yoga poses require you to stand with your head below the hips. Loose shirt will slide down if you do these positions.
Any sweat pants or exercise pants will do for yoga but it is also recommended that you wear short pants and trousers so that you can see your legs and ankles in those yoga techniques that ask for them to be shown. Although leotards and tights are okay in yoga practice, trainers would advise against wearing slick and slippery lycra tights because it may cause you to slip in some of the yoga poses.
It is also advised for women to wear layered clothing during yoga sessions especially if you are a beginner. This is because yoga will teach you how to generate heat and in the middle of the session, the tendency is for you to feel really hot that you might want to take off your clothes. Also, women are advised to wear a supportive sports bra when doing yoga.
As for foot apparel, the good news is that you don’t need to bring bulky rubber shoes because yoga sessions are done barefoot. In most yoga studios, students are even required to leave their shoes at the entrance.
Yoga Mats. These are also known as sticky mats which are usually made of rubber. They are required especially in most yoga studios that have slippery hardwood flooring. Sticky mats provide padding and friction for your safety while doing yoga poses. There are studios with carpeted floorings but these are quite rare nowadays. Nonetheless, sticky mats also define your personal space during yoga sessions in studios. You can buy sticky mats for $20 to $60.
When buying, you have to consider the quality of the material that shall provide more padding and stickiness. You should also choose the ones which are sweat resistant. Some yoga studios also rent their sticky mats at around $1 to $2. But it is still advisable that you get your own as you can’t be sure if the mats available at the studio are being washed regularly. Besides, if you are a regular in that yoga studio, you can ask if they can keep your sticky mats for you in one of their lockers so you don’t need to bring it along with you every time.
Foam blocks: These are brick-sized foams that are very important to those who are still in the process of learning how to practice yoga. It is used chiefly by beginners to extend their reach. You have to choose foam blocks that can fully support your weight. Foam blocks will you help you align your body in some difficult yoga poses that require you to do so. Most yoga studios provide foam blocks but then again, you might want to purchase your own at around $10 to $15 especially if you want to practice yoga at home.
These are just a few of the equipment you need to practice yoga. Other accessories such as yoga belts, blankets or towels, and straps are some optional gears you might also want to purchase. Then again, the practice of yoga does not require you to do so. Especially if buying would only cause you more stress.
The Gentle Power Of Yoga
Yoga is a living tradition, an ancient Indian physical and mental system for self-exploration and growth that is as effective today as it has been for centuries. In Sanskrit, the classical language of India, the word yoga means “union”, from the root yuj, “to yoke or join together.” Practicing yoga harmonizes or “joins together” mind, body and spirit.
Studies show that yoga practice can help increases cardiovascular and respiratory efficiency, aid in normalizing endocrine and gastrointestinal function, and improve posture, strength, endurance, and immunity. They also show that yoga offers benefits for mental health, such as improvements in mood, concentration, and memory. When your body and mind function with clarity and efficiency, your natural wellbeing can shine through.
One of the wonderful things about yoga is that it can be practiced in many ways. The same pose might be approached with a vigorous intent on one day and a calm and relaxing one on another, with quite different physical and mental results. How you approach your practice can dramatically affect the quality of your experience, so be aware of your mental state try to clear your mind and harmonize your thinking with the result you are seeking, whether to calm, focus, strengthen, or energize.
