Six days of the week I practice the 12 basic postures or some variation of them for the Yogic exercise part of my yogic life. I couldn't maintain my overall health both of body and mind without these postures and it is amazing the effect of our mental well being through using our bodies positively and freeing up space within us. Yoga asana practice (yoga postures) are and always have been intended to be practiced slowly with the correct breathing and deep relaxations before, between and after them. Practiced in the right manor in a meditative way then the effects are so deep and profound. An hour and a half or two hour session gives you a session of proper breath, proper exercise, proper relaxation and meditation, all combined to bring a completeness, wholeness and harmony. Here are some pointers from the Sivananda yoga magazine on what is working and how! Enjoy -
1. Gentle stimulation of the circulatory system. Fitness workout programmes today strongly emphasize a balanced cardiac workout. Yoga asanas (postures) include this aspect very specifically; inverted postures and abdominal breathing increase the venous return to the heart, thus stimulating a stronger heartbeat. The massage action of specific pressure on internal organs increases the local blood circulation ensuring a rich supply of oxygen and nutrients to all cells of the body.
2. Yoga for the back. Kyphosis (exaggerated upper back curve), lordosis (exaggerated lower back curve), and scoliosis (lateral deviation) are three common spinal problems. The asana sequence systematically improves these three postural habits and other back issues and often relieves the pain associated with them.
3. Balancing muscle length and muscle strength. Yoga exercises develop both strength and flexibility, yet the body of a proficient practitioner will not show any extreme tendencies such as overdeveloped bicep muscles or permanent hyper flexibility of the hip joints. This is because the practice of the twelve basic postures develops strength and flexibility in equal measure.
4. Hormonal balance. The inverted poses increase the blood supply to the brain. This improves neuronal control of the pituitary gland (hypophysis), whose hormones regulate such important endocrine glands such as the thyroid gland - involved in cell metabolism, and the adrenal glands - involved in emotional balance. Specific postures work like a massage enhancing all cellular functions in each gland.
5. Internal organs. From the gastrointestinal tract to the liver and pancreas right through to the bladder - the pressure exerted by various postures detoxifies these tissues and increases the supply of blood to them insuring better functioning.
6. Autonomic nervous system. The stretching and relaxing in the first half of the sequence, as well as the contraction and relaxing in the second half, encourages the 'rest and repair' functions of the parasympathetic nervous system. At the same time it prevents the over-stimulation - the fight or flight reaction of the sympathetic nervous system.
7. Deep relaxation with auto-suggestion. Impulses transmitted by motor and sensor nerves are regulated or registered in two adjacent areas or the cerebrum. In the wave of relaxation which begins in the feet and ends in the head, 'visualisation (motor) and feeling of relaxation (sensory) impulses are barely distinguishable. That is no surprise seeing the proximity of the areas in the brain dedicated to sensory and motor activity. The periods of relaxation between the postures is essential to harmonize motor and sensory impulses.
8. Nadis (subtle channels). The classical yoga texts speak of 72000 subtle nerve channels through which prana (vital energy) flows in and around the body. Pranic blockages at junctions of the nadis can lead to a lack or excess of energy in different parts of the body. The 12 basic poses exert pressure on these points in a way that balances the prana, much like acupressure. That is one reason you feel rejuvenated after the class.
9. HathaYoga - the union of Sun and Moon. Prana (upward moving energy, supported by respiration) is denoted by the Sun - Ha. Apana (downward moving energy, supported by elimination) is called Moon - Tha. Hence Hatha - In the asana sequence these two vital energies merge in the solar plexus, creating a unique sensation of well-being.
So you can understand a little more why our asana or posture practice is so delicious and makes us feel a whole lot better and why it is important. However we mustn't forget this is just a part of our yogic life and the synthesis of yoga of also selfless service - karma yoga, and our devotional practice - bhakti yoga and questions into the self - Jnana Yoga are all equally as important to bring completeness and turn us into 24 hour yogis not just the time we roll our yoga mats out for.
Have beautiful practice and beautiful days - love and peace to all living entities.
OM OM OM
Mangala / Nicky
