The Benefits And Joys Of Yoga

By Kimaya Singh

Yoga is a popular physical, mental and spiritual practice that strengthens both the body and the mind. Yogic methodology is one of the six schools of traditional Indian Philosophy and has been practiced all over the globe for  centuries. Yoga is spiritual growth system, which benefits the body and the mind regardless of religion, culture or other differences.

Yoga Lifestyle for Mental Well Being

There are various forms of yogic practices, and they all have separate and distinct purposes. The most common types of yoga are Ananda, Anusara, Ashtanga, Bikram, Hatha, integral yoga, ISHTA, Iyengar, Jivamukti, Kripalu, Kundalini, power yoga, Sivananda, Svaroopa, Viniyoga and Vinyasa.

Ananda, Hatha, integral yoga, ISHTA, Iyengar, Sivananda, Viniyoga and Vinyasa are more relaxed, meditative yogic practices where the focus is placed on the breath. These types of yoga rely on deep stretching, meditation and increased flexibility. The purpose of these types of yogic practices is to restore the body, heal the mind, rid the body of negative toxins and increase flexibility.

Anusara, Ashtanga, Bikram, Jivamukti, Kripalu, Kundalini, power yoga and Svaroopa are strength-based practices that typically require a high level of physical fitness and flexibility. The purpose of these types of yoga practices is to combine a focus on the breath with quick, complicated movements, for a vigorous workout for the body and the mind. These yogic practices strengthen the body, increase flexibility, strengthen the mind, and rid the body of impure toxins.

Yoga not only strengthens the body and increases flexibility, but a daily yoga practice has been shown to benefit one's overall mental health. The ujjayi pranayama practiced during a flowing asana practice is a diaphragmatic breath, which increases oxygenation in the body, and helps calms the body while it eliminates toxins from the blood stream. Research shows that those who practice yoga on a daily basis have also been shown to have lower levels of stress than those who have a staggered practices, or those who don't practice at all.

The benefits of yoga are numerous. Practicing yoga on a regular basis can relieve chronic back pain and decrease stress. Yogic practices can help people fall asleep, yet they can also give them energy. Yoga can relieve menopausal symptoms, increase flexibility and promote an increase in overall well-being.

© Copyright 2007 – Aura Wellness Center – Publications Division

Want to learn more about how to become a certified yoga instructor or practicing yoga as a form of therapy? Please feel free to use the resources on the right side of this page for research.