by Elise Bowerman
The practice of yoga offers countless advantages. The following are some of the most basic and important - no matter where or when you begin practicing... yoga knows no age or boundaries to experience these life-changing benefits.
Asana (Physical Exercise) Benefits
- Increased:
- alignment
- balance
- body awareness (proprioception)
- flexibility
- funtional movement patterns (movements you do everyday)
- range of motion
- resilience
- sensitivity
- stability
- strength
- Cleansing of toxins from body
- Adaptability off the mat
Pranayama (Breathing Exercise) Benefits
- Increased:
- energy
- sensitivity
- sleep ability
- vitality
- Stimulates immune system
- Balances
- mood regulation/emotions
- Parasympathetic Nervous System (PNS) and Sympathetic Nervous System (SNS)
- SNS in our western culture is "on" more than it is "off," which is why many have difficulty staying still, sleeping, and may "switch" right into aggressiveness/anger if slightly provoked.
- PNS = ability to go with the flow, relax, chill-out
- SNS = fight or flight, chest/lung breathing
- SNS in our western culture is "on" more than it is "off," which is why many have difficulty staying still, sleeping, and may "switch" right into aggressiveness/anger if slightly provoked.
- Gives clarity of mind
- Aids in purification/detox
- Sense of feeling a lightness or energy flowing