Chinese Culture >> Chinese Medicine and Health >> Yoga Benefits
Yoga Benefits for All
By: Jean Pardu
Yoga is considered an art that helps with the development of
your spirit, mind, and body. If you continue practicing yoga over a period of
time, it will give you the contentment you have been searching for. Yoga is
achieved through exercise, breathing, and meditation.
Practicing yoga helps to improve many body systems such as circulatory,
digestive, skeletal, metabolic, respiratory, muscular, nervous, and lymphatic.
Yoga also helps to stabilize your emotions and keep your mind clear. It not only
focuses on your physical being, but also your mental and spiritual growth.
You do not have to be a certain age to practice yoga. Yoga can be practiced by
anyone, but is most beneficial to people 30 years and older. Yoga gives you the
energy you need for a healthier and more vigorous future.
To be successful at yoga, you must perform the exercises on a regular basis,
start out slowly, and most of all stick with it. Yoga is best practiced under
the guidance of a certified teacher. The instructor can correct you if you are
not performing the poses to gain maximum benefit and he or she can also help you
work out at the right pace.
When practicing yoga, be sure to dress comfortably. Many yoga students prefer to
go barefoot. A typical yoga outfit consists of leotards or a body stocking. You
can find these outfits in a variety of colors at your local sports store.
For indoor exercises, find a comfortable room in your home. If you are doing
your workout on a carpeted floor, you will not need equipment, even though some
people prefer to use a mat.
Types of Yoga
Today there are many types and styles of yoga. You may find a style you prefer
from the two listed below.
Hatha yoga ("Ha" meaning sun and "Tha" meaning moon) is the yoga type better
known in the west. This style is preferred among new yoga students. With so many
benefits including simple poses and the option to perform at your own pace,
Hatha is just what you need to help you relax at the end of a hectic day. In
addition, Hatha yoga is a great means for clearing your mind and giving you a
longer, healthier life.
Kundalini yoga, introduced to the West in 1969, is fairly new to the United
States.This type of yoga focuses on healing and cleansing the mind and body. It
involves poses, breathing, chanting, and meditation. Kundalini yoga also
releases energy at the base of the spine and draws it up through the body. This
energy is often referred to as a snake coiled up at the end of the spine.
Beyond the physical benefits, Kundalini yoga is considered one of the most
spiritual types of yoga exercise. Individuals who are truly devoted to this type
often wear white robes and head wraps.
Thai Yoga Massage
Besides using yoga as an exercise, did you know that this ancient practice can
also be used in massage? The origin of Thai Yoga Massage can be traced back
thousands of years to India and the spread of Buddhism.
The Thai Yoga Massage consists of gentle movements given by the therapist with
the hands, feet, knees, and legs, along with a massage that releases the energy
and helps it to flow freely. This free-flow of energy helps to relieve back
pain, menstrual pain, headaches, stress. Also, this oriental massage increases
energy and improves circulation. Both the giver and receiver are blessed by this
massage and each one reaps the benefits.
Yoga as a Healing Tool: Reiki Energy
Many students today who are interested in yoga may have heard of Reiki energy
healing or medicine. The word Reiki means Universal Life Force Energy. It is a
form of healing through the use of natural forces, given the name Chi by ancient
Chinese mystics. This form of yoga is known as a hands-on art. Practitioners use
the laying of the hands as well as gestures in the air to channel the energy.
Reiki brings back and balances the energy in your body.
Experts normally agree that Reiki is very simple to use and can be learned
easily. In order for the life force energy to work, the recipient has to be
willing to accept change and turn away from their old habits. Such is the case
in most healing methods.
Which Yoga Practice is Right for You?
Whether you want to participate in yoga, have a massage, or try energy healing,
remember it is your decision. Everyone is different and you must decide for
yourself. If you are still hesitant, do some research online or check with your
local yoga instructor to find more answers.
About the Author:
Jean Pardue is a freelance travel writer and can be contacted at speed-writer@hotmail.com . She travels with her husband, Bob Pardue, who is a stock travel photographer. http://www.parduephotos.com