yoga for wellness and recovery: healing the mind, body, and soul
what is yoga?
yoga is a Sanskrit word translated as “yoke”, to draw or bind together, or “union”, to unite the body, mind, soul, and universal consciousness. yoga began as a spiritual practice deeply rooted in ancient Indian philosophy. yoga has since evolved to a global phenomenon as a wellness practice promoting physical and mental well-being.
yoga practices combine asanas (physical postures), pranayama (breathing techniques), and dyana (meditation). there are also many yoga styles ranging from simple practices to intense practices, meaning there is a yoga practice for every individual, from beginners to seasoned yogis.
what are the benefits of yoga?
physical:
yoga might not seem like an intense workout compared to a cardio routine, but it’s actually a full-body strength workout. yoga is a form of resistance training that uses your body weight as resistance. different yoga poses target and strengthen various areas of your body. for example, chaturanga builds strength in your upper body and core, and warrior pose targets your lower body including your hamstrings, quads, and glutes. yoga also improves flexibility and balance through slow movements and deep breathing which can help relieve muscle tension, increase blood circulation, and give you better posture.
for individuals with certain medical conditions like chronic back pain or arthritis, yoga can even alleviate symptoms because basic stretching improves mobility and can ease discomfort in tender, swollen joints.
mental:
yoga has many mental health benefits, including reducing symptoms of stress, anxiety, and depression. the combination of breath and movement in yoga is powerful as it helps regulate two key components of your nervous system: the sympathetic (which energizes your body) and parasympathetic (which heals your body). these two components of your nervous system have to work together to keep you physically and mentally healthy. even incorporating a yoga practice a few times a week can help clear your mind of pesky worries and bring more peace and joy into your life.
mindfulness:
yoga falls under the umbrella of a larger wellness practice called mindfulness. mindfulness is the simple act of being fully present, aware of where you are, and what you’re doing without being overwhelmed by external factors. yoga not only makes you more mindful of your body through breath and movement, but it can also make you more mindful spiritually and emotionally by encouraging you to make healthier choices for yourself and express gratitude for the simple things in life. if mindfulness seems like too big a word to understand, think of it like this: it’s about feeling more connected to yourself. the main thing to remember is that yoga can help you get to know yourself on a deeper level, so it’s worth a try.
join us for a relaxing yoga practice led by our wonderful certified yoga instructor.
By: Reem Khaleel
