Stressed? Go Yoga

Yoga, one of the most ancient cultural heritage of India, actually means “to unite” in Sanskrit. It is a discipline that strives towards the balance of the mental, the physical and the psychological.

Due to common misconceptions, yoga in the west is often regarded as some kind of black magic or mental debauchery through which miraculous feats can be achieved. This is complete nonsense as Yoga is nothing but a very effective form of exercise. It is the science of self-culture and mental discipline. And today, with the increase in levels of stress and hypertension cases on the rise, Yoga has proved to be a very effective remedy.

Yoga works scientifically for the benefit of the individual. The ‘asanas’ increase effective blood circulation. The carbon dioxide content is reduced. Toxins from the body are removed. Strength and stamina is built. Yogic exercises have a strengthening effect on the nervous system. Non tiring physiological exercises bring about poise of body and mind.

Stress is described as an overdose or even lack of stimuli. Lack leads to lethargy and depressiondefine, while over leads to exhaustion, burn out and even nervous breakdowns. People try different methods to get rid of this stress, like eating disorders and destructive relationships, but none of them helps the cause. All they do is provide temporary distraction and in fact more harm than good.

Yoga works on the unification of the body, breath, mind and intellect. Our body produces lactic acids and toxins when it is static and under stressful conditions. The muscles cramp and prefer not to move. This restricts our abilities to move. Yoga exercises help in stretching these muscles and the draining of these toxins and lactic acid. Pranayama, or the breathing exercises in yoga, rejuvenates the mind. The diaphragm usage techniques of breathing enhance the oxygen content in the blood. This leads to more strength, more energy and greater levels of fitness.

Some general health benefits of yoga are:-

? Relaxes the mind and body
? Relieves muscle tension
? Sharpens concentration
? Increases body awareness
? Improves flexibility and joint mobility
? Strengthens and tones muscles

Thus yoga is nothing more than a specific exercise form. It incorporates the physical, the emotional, sometimes even the spiritual. Very basic meditation techniques can work wonders if done with the proper guidance. As a result, Yoga, with its stress releasing exercises, has turned out to be a very effective cure.