Yoga Yoga & Health, Naturally Yoga - How To Improve Health

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It helps keep all the systems in order, resulting in radiant health and leading to more energy, improved concentration, and a happier, more fulfilling life. A lot of common physical complaints can also be eradicated through the regular practice of Yoga. Best of all, it is never too late or too early in life to take it up.

Anyone can practice Yoga as Yoga and Health are very closely inter-related. It is a very powerful tool to combat ill health and improve both physical and mental health. This, basically, is the commonest goal of people who take up Yoga – how to improve health. Some of the important benefits of Yoga include physical and mental balance, anti-ageing and flexibility of body, together with increase in mind power, and development of personal and social values. Yoga also helps in enhance one’s levels strength, sexual life and in reducing weight. Above all, Yoga makes you feel good; it is a relaxing practice that is energizing, strengthening and a cure for many diseases.

There are many disciplines of Yoga that emphasize different aspects or combinations of mind-body-spirit. Through the practice of asanas, and centering the breath and mind through breathing exercises and meditation, the practitioner is able to improve body consciousness, posture, flexibility (physical and mental mind) and calmness of spirit.

However, basically, there are three disciplines which contribute to these benefits:

Postures (Asanas)

There are a large number of Yoga poses (asanas) that can be done easily and effortlessly, even though some of the advanced ones might be tough. Some asanas stretch and strengthen the muscles, some improve posture and perk up the skeletal system, while others help relax and tone up the organs and nerves. While some poses can be awkward at first, after regular practice they can be more easily achieved. The overall purpose of Yogasanas is to develop the body into a worthy host for the soul.

Breathing exercises (Pranayama)

Prana or the vital life force is supposed to enter our body through our breath. Naturally, shallow, rapid breathing slows down the flow of life force. Yoga emphasizes the need for deep, slow, controlled breathing through the practice of pranayama. This spreads the energy from the life force, as required, throughout the body, resulting in a feeling of calm, vitality and well-being.

Meditation (Dhyana)

Yoga meditation concentrates and focuses the mind on whatever we do. Meditation also relaxes the body, reinforcing the disciplines of Yoga, subsequently, leading to a quiet, calm frame of mind.