Yoga – Harmonizing the Mind & Body
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Yoga – Harmonizing the Mind & Body
Classic poses (asanas) and pranayama (breathing techniques) are the foundation of hatha yoga. Iyengar hatha yoga, based on the work of B.K.S. Iyengar, is known for anatomical and physiological accuracy. In his book, Yoga: The Path to Holistic Health, Iyengar notes that yoga is for anyone. He explains that “There are asanas to suit every constitution, irrespective of age or physical condition” (Iyengar, 2001, p. 16). The benefit of having your mind and body constantly interact in doing the asanas carries over into everyday life (Iyengar, 2001, p. 11).
Yoga creates space in your body, furnishing room in the joints, between the vertebrate and in the vessels which eases the flow of the blood and lymph. Bob Anderson, in his book, Stretching, explains how stretching, as with yoga, prepares you for more vigorous types of physical activity, enhances coordination, and allows more freedom of motion (Anderson, 1980, p. 11). Maxine Tobias, in her book, Complete Stretching, emphasizes that stretching is quieting, keeps us in touch with ourselves, and builds confidence (Tobias, 1994, p. 13).
Yoga takes you to the edge of your abilities and, without straining, expands your possibilities. It is preferable to do yoga more often for short periods of time than infrequently for long periods of time. You may want to dedicate a special place and time to do yoga. While yoga can be done anytime, Silva, Mira, and Shyam Mehta, in their book, Yoga: The Iyengar Way, suggest considering that generally speaking, “In the morning the body is stiff, but the mind is fresh; in the evening, the body is supple, but the mind is not alert” (Mehta, 1994, p. 13). Yoga mats that are made from natural rubber trees in South America are available from Jade Yoga.
While yoga revitalizes and tones all your internal systems, you can focus on certain parts of the body. For example, Donna Schnoor and Yoga With Adriene instruct their students on how to strengthen the horizonal, load-bearing muscles of the pelvic floor that hold up our organs. Diaphragmatic breathing, Schnoor explains, soothes these muscles. Doing specific yoga asanas can stabilize and restore balance in this important region of the body.
Restorative yoga involves fully supporting your body with props, such as bolsters, blankets, blocks, or belts. The props enable you to do the asanas without effort. This allows your mind and body to completely let go. You can stay in restorative asanas for a long time, releasing physical and emotional tension. An eye pillow, shutting out the light in the room, can relax your eyes and make restorative yoga even more calming.
Classic poses (asanas) and pranayama (breathing techniques) are the foundation of hatha yoga. Iyengar hatha yoga, based on the work of B.K.S. Iyengar, is known for anatomical and physiological accuracy. In his book, Yoga: The Path to Holistic Health, Iyengar notes that yoga is for anyone. He explains that “There are asanas to suit every constitution, irrespective of age or physical condition” (Iyengar, 2001, p. 16). The benefit of having your mind and body constantly interact in doing the asanas carries over into everyday life (Iyengar, 2001, p. 11).
Yoga creates space in your body, furnishing room in the joints, between the vertebrate and in the vessels which eases the flow of the blood and lymph. Bob Anderson, in his book, Stretching, explains how stretching, as with yoga, prepares you for more vigorous types of physical activity, enhances coordination, and allows more freedom of motion (Anderson, 1980, p. 11). Maxine Tobias, in her book, Complete Stretching, emphasizes that stretching is quieting, keeps us in touch with ourselves, and builds confidence (Tobias, 1994, p. 13).
Yoga takes you to the edge of your abilities and, without straining, expands your possibilities. It is preferable to do yoga more often for short periods of time than infrequently for long periods of time. You may want to dedicate a special place and time to do yoga. While yoga can be done anytime, Silva, Mira, and Shyam Mehta, in their book, Yoga: The Iyengar Way, suggest considering that generally speaking, “In the morning the body is stiff, but the mind is fresh; in the evening, the body is supple, but the mind is not alert” (Mehta, 1994, p. 13). Yoga mats that are made from natural rubber trees in South America are available from Jade Yoga.
While yoga revitalizes and tones all your internal systems, you can focus on certain parts of the body. For example, Donna Schnoor and Yoga With Adriene instruct their students on how to strengthen the horizonal, load-bearing muscles of the pelvic floor that hold up our organs. Diaphragmatic breathing, Schnoor explains, soothes these muscles. Doing specific yoga asanas can stabilize and restore balance in this important region of the body.
Restorative yoga involves fully supporting your body with props, such as bolsters, blankets, blocks, or belts. The props enable you to do the asanas without effort. This allows your mind and body to completely let go. You can stay in restorative asanas for a long time, releasing physical and emotional tension. An eye pillow, shutting out the light in the room, can relax your eyes and make restorative yoga even more calming.
References
Anderson, B. (1980). Stretching. Bolinas, CA: Shelter Publications, Inc.
Iyengar, B.K.S. (2001). Yoga: The Path to Holistic Health. New York, NY: Dorling Kindersley
Mehta, S., Mehta, M., Mehta, S. (2001). Yoga: The Iyengar Way. New York, NY: Alfred A. Knopf, Inc.
Tobias, M., Sullivan, J. P. (1994). Complete Stretching: A New Exercise Program for Health and Vitality. New York, NY: Alfred A. Knopf, Inc.
Anderson, B. (1980). Stretching. Bolinas, CA: Shelter Publications, Inc.
Iyengar, B.K.S. (2001). Yoga: The Path to Holistic Health. New York, NY: Dorling Kindersley
Mehta, S., Mehta, M., Mehta, S. (2001). Yoga: The Iyengar Way. New York, NY: Alfred A. Knopf, Inc.
Tobias, M., Sullivan, J. P. (1994). Complete Stretching: A New Exercise Program for Health and Vitality. New York, NY: Alfred A. Knopf, Inc.
Amy Wing, Holistic Health Educator,
Nature’s Hearth
Website: www.naturesheart.net
Email: ajw.habitat@gmail.com
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