The word “yoga” in Sanskrit means union or connection. It can also be defined as a group of physical, mental, and spiritual practices or disciplines which originated in ancient India.
There are as many types of yoga classes as there are teachers. Although most teachers follow a main line of teaching like: Iyengar, Ashtanga, Bikram, Yin Yoga, Kundalini, and Restorative, to name a few.
The yoga classes I currently provide are hatha yoga, meaning a series of poses that are amazingly designed to do a lot for your body in a very short time. Holding the poses strengthens many muscle groups as well as lengthening muscles to increase flexibility. I also include movement with the breath or Vinyasa yoga. Class is finished with some deep relaxation, guided meditation, and on occasion pranayama, or work with the breath.
Both yoga and qigong can be explained as moving meditation and are often termed “mind body practices.” Many studies have shown that the mind body connection practiced at least once a week has the added benefit of reversing stress related illnesses along with a long list of health issues (partially listed below).
Both practices work with your energetic field which is in you and around you. In yoga it is called prana and in qigong it is called qi.
These energy fields are an extension of your physical body. As you can exercise your arm or your leg, you can also exercise your channels of energy, known as meridians in Chinese Medicine and as Nadis in yoga. As you become more aware of this energy—not only does your physical health improve, but your times of prayer and worship become more vivid and transformative. This is an approach to health that covers your spirit, soul, and body.
Benefits of Mind Body Practices
(Yoga, Tai Chi, Qigong)
Here is a partial list of benefits from mind body practices published in the ACE Personal Trainer Manual.
- Decreased blood pressure
- Better pulmonary function
- Increased maximal oxygen uptake
- Regression of coronary artery disease
- Improved cardiovascular disease risk factor profile
- Increased strength and flexibility
- Increased balance control
- Reduced knee arthritis symptoms
- Improved posture
- Decreased falls in seniors
- Decreased low back pain
- Increased cognitive performance
- Improved relaxation and psychological well being
- Decreased anxiety and depression
- Reduced symptoms of insomnia
- Increased glucose tolerance and insulin sensitivity
- Improved blood lipid profile
- Decreased OCD symptoms
- Decreased osteoarthritis symptoms
- Decreased carpal-tunnel symptoms
- Decreased cancer symptoms and cancer therapy symptoms
To sum up: Yoga increases your awareness of and connection with your physical body, your energetic body, and the source of all life. You will leave a yoga class feeling relaxed, energized, and like you got a good workout!
References
– https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Yoga
– American Council on Exercise Personal Trainer Manual, fifth edition, Copyright © 2014 American Council on Exercise (ACE)