Yoga

Yoga (Union) is the ancient art and science of developing strength, flexibility, and cohesion within the body, mind, and spirit by means of observation, exploration, discovery, and practice.

   Yogic asanas (“comfortable or effortless positions”) strategically position parts of the body, utilizing gravity and the structure of the body itself, to achieve increasing degrees of strength, flexibility and expansion. Stretching and strengthening the body in these ways also stimulate the production and release of endorphins contributing to the sensations of well-being and joy that are experienced during and after practice.

The unusual and positive stresses placed on the bones during asanas also catalyzes the deposition of extra layers of calcium into the living bone matrix, fortifying it. This is extremely beneficial in regard to the lessening of bone density that can occur as we age (osteoporosis), but must be done slowly, gently and with caring attention.

   In addition to strengthening the muscular and skeletal systems of the body, the twisting action of some asanas (positions) also produces a “wringing” effect in the abdominal organs that aids in the flushing and  elimination of toxins in the liver and other organs by directing  lymphatic fluid and blood  toward the larger vessels of the cardiovascular system.

   Also, the deep breathing and slow intentionality required to comfortably take and hold asanas engages the activation of the parasympathetic nervous system that acts as a kind of para-chute to slow things down in the body and shift the nervous system out of the “fight, flight or freeze” mode of the sympathetic nervous system and into that of “resting and digesting”.