For thousands of years, the practice of yoga has been implemented by a variety of cultures throughout the world. While some yoga patrons seek improved physical strength or appearance, others practice the art to improve their entire state of being; to become more connected with life energy. The core yoga philosophy centers around the mind and body connection and its ability to impact our physical, psychological and emotional states of being. The three components of yoga that strengthen the body and mind connection are yoga postures, yoga breathing and meditation.

Yoga Postures

Each yoga posture works to strengthen and improve balance in specific, targeted areas of the body. Yoga is typically done as a preventive health measure, or possibly for rehabilitation from an injury. If you’ve injured a disc or have undergone any kind of spine surgery, do no embark upon an exercise program without your doctor’s permission.

Some of the most common yoga postures include:

• Standing poses - Stretch and improve core balance; people with back problems will want to keep the knees “soft,” which means to not lock the knees
• Twist poses- Tone and massage abdominal muscles and improve digestion; these poses also increase flexibility in the spinal column, from the neck all the way down to the hips
• Inverted poses- Increase circulation, enhance glandular function and stimulate blood flow to the brain. Some yogis (i.e., regular practitioners of yoga) even do headstands, or inversions, to give themselves energy when they feel sleepy in the afternoon

Yoga Breathing

The principles of yoga suggest that breathing is life. Breathing is the most rudimentary and necessary bodily activity – so the idea is: control your breathing; control your life. By learning how to control your breathing, you can control your state of mind, and ultimately your overall health. Also, when one pays close attention to the breath while performing yoga poses, the chances are improved for a deeper, more beneficial yoga practice. If you plan on attending a yoga class, be sure to listen to the instructor’s directions on breathing.

Meditation

Meditation can be described as the intentional slowing down of the mind. An ancient practice (some say it’s over 4000 years old), meditation can be practiced by itself, or in partnership with the other principles of yoga – like respect for life, truth, and humility. So how do you stop the mind? Some people simply sit cross-legged, and focus on their breathing, letting go of any and all thoughts that come into the mind. Others may use a “mantra,” which is a word or sound repeated either audibly or to oneself. There are many different styles of meditation … but they’re all designed to slow down our thinking, and allow our minds to rest.

Health Benefits of Yoga

Most practitioners of yoga consider it a lifestyle, not a short-term fix for injuries, back problems, or emotional issues. If you decide to try yoga, you can expect some of the health benefits listed below, but certainly give yourself a timeline of 30 to 60 days, practicing 2 or 3 times per week, before seeing results.

• Better sleep
• Improved posture
• Fewer aches and pains
• Increased energy
• Calmer disposition
• Less overeating or other bad habits
• Improved concentration and peace of mind