Yoga For Wellness

    The health benefits of yoga have long been reported by practitioners and are now being confirmed by scientific research. These benefits are not limited to the body but they are the most common and why many people come to a yoga class. A regular practice of yoga, however, can affect all four dimensions of wellness which are the physical, mental, emotional and spiritual aspects of health.
    True wellness means more than “absence of disease.” It is determined by how we live our lives and by choosing to live with vitality and purpose. Yoga is a practical philosophy that involves every aspect of our being. It encourages us to move our bodies, quiet our minds, focus on positive emotions and to find inner peace. Here are the four dimensions of wellness and the yoga benefits of each:

Physical
• Increases strength (yoga poses use every muscle in the body)
• Improves flexibility (poses move through the entire range of motion)
• Improves posture (poses focus on proper alignment of the spine)
• Improves respiratory function (deep breathing expands lung capacity)
• Promotes healing (gentle poses with deep breathing can reduce pain)

Mental
• Increases concentration (calms the mind and reduces mental clutter)
• Improves memory (may prevent dementia and Alzheimer’s disease)
• Promotes mindfulness (keeps our attention on what we are doing and feeling)
• Keeps us present (being in the moment, not thinking of past or future)
• Stimulates creativity (proper breathing increases oxygen to the brain)

Emotional
• Promotes balance (creates feelings of harmony and being centered)
• Reduces negative emotions (may relieve symptoms of depression)
• Focus is on letting go (of competition, judgments and expectations)
• Opens the heart and mind to positive emotions (gratitude, love, joy)  
• Stimulates the parasympathetic nervous system (source of relaxation)

Spiritual
• Focuses on inner awareness (to find and connect with our true selves)
• Directs us to learn our­ true nature and find our purpose in life (our dharma)
• Promotes connection (between all beings, the earth and the universe)
• Teaches behavior that creates a peaceful life (non-violence, non-greed)
• Encourages contentment (with ourselves and with our lives right now)
    
    Whether you are new to yoga or have been practicing for many years, it is beneficial to understand its affects on our overall health and well-being. There is a reason why this ancient discipline is practiced throughout the world and continues to grow in popularity – it makes us feel good! So be sure to practice often (daily, if possible) and let yoga be your path to optimal health and wellness.