What is Yoga?

Benefits of Yoga

Yoga is an ancient science, nowadays widely recognised and recommended also by the mainstream Western medicine. It consists of a series of practices that help person experience a more harmonious and balanced state of existence. It is commonly said in other words that it helps a person recognise her/his true nature. These practices consist of physical postures, breathing techniques, meditation, study of ancient theories, applying the principles of yoga and self-study in daily life.

Throughout the world people of all nationalities, origin or religion, practice yoga to feel joy, freedom and love. Most people come to yoga to deal with very specific problems – stress, depression, lower back pain, respiratory problems, problems related to digestion, or problems with the nervous system.

Many of them retain regular practice even after they have dealt with the particular problem, because they notice that yoga improves not only their health condition, but also brings a radical change in their general mood and attitude towards life. Some people, through yoga, even find a whole new meaning in life.

This happens because yoga is a method of inner exploration, which recognises the interdependence of the body and the mind and brings harmony to all human levels - physical, mental-emotional, spiritual.

We observe the mind, shedding the light of awareness on our feeling and thinking patterns which trigger various reactions. When we do not condemn or judge our reactions, we are exercising neutral witnessing and acceptance, and allowing the feeling of love towards the self and others to grow.

Some of the psychological-mental-emotional benefits that you may experience with frequent and regular yoga practice are:

General feeling of joy, gratitude and well-being

Reduction of stress

Improved concentration and memory

Alleviated depression

Improvement in mood

Easy and restful sleep

Anger management

Stabilisation of the autonomous nervous system

Reduction of hostility and irritability

Some of the physical benefits that you may experience with frequent and regular yoga practice:

Strength and endurance increase

Musculosceletal flexibility increases as well as the range of motion of the joints

Posture of the body and the spine improves

Pulse rate decreases and heart functioning improves

Better coordination of various body parts

Increased vital energy (prana)

Reduction or even elimination of various physical pains and discomforts, such as in lower back, neck, wrists etc.

Strengthening of the organism against neurological diseases (such as multiple sclerosis) etc)

Balancing the two brain hemispheres

Blood pressure decreases

Hormone system comes into balance

Respiratory efficiency increases

Excretory functions improve

Retaining toxins in the body lessens

Immune system strengthens

HDL cholesterol increases

LDL cholesterol decreases

VLDL cholesterol decreases