The Healing Powers of YogaThere are several medical conditions that can be improved by practicing yoga. It can be used to lessen the negative effects of infertility, lung disease, Parkinson's disease, multiple sclerosis, insomnia, cancer, high blood pressure, and joint pain. The beneficial effects of yoga practices are well recognized not only by the yoga community but also by medical doctors. The response of the sympathetic nervous system can trigger stress in our metabolism. The reaction to various outside stimuli is also known as the “fight or flight” response – the mind and body, faced with an endangering or disturbing element, prepare for one of the two options. Physically, this is manifested through an instantaneous heart rate increase, together with a high ascent of blood pressure. Breathing gets shallow and the muscles tense in anticipation to the following action. Internally, this response reduces the blood flow to internal organs and processes that are not essential in that particular moment (such as digestion and elimination) are shut down. This state of increased awareness and readiness is beneficial on a short term, preparing our body to react to the outside interventions and stimuli. Both in a “fight” and in a “flight” situation, the body is physically and mentally prepared to act. The problem arises when long-term exposure to similar stress takes place. This “fight or flight” response is only meant to help on short periods of time – the longer it is activated the less resources will the body have to function normally. There is a natural countermeasure for the “fight or flight” response. It is called the parasympathetic nervous system or the “relaxation response.” It is automatically activated when the elements that caused the stress are gone but it is also possible to increase its effects by breathing deeply and relaxing your muscles. By increasing the length of this process we allow our body to recover faster, enabling it to eliminate the harmful effects of stress in a prompt and efficient manner. Yoga highlights the idea that by using breathing and relaxation techniques you can reduce the harmful effects of stress factors on your body. A lessened “fight or flight” response can also be achieved by looking at adverse factors as challenges rather than threats. This approach allows your mind to focus on finding a solution, rather than creating an abrupt response. Another concept employed by this technique is that of acting versus reacting, of taking initiative versus responding to outside factors. The positive effects of yoga during a healing process are undeniable. However, these techniques should only be used as a form of support and the healing shouldn’t rely solely on them. The best results are achieved by combining yoga with traditional and modern medicine and by addressing a problem both from a mental and physical point of view. Discover The 2,000 Year Old Zen Secret To Feeling Calm, Balanced And Positive No Matter What's Going On In Your Life. Check out Living By Zen. |
Home A safe place for your mind Chinese Techniques For Your Health and Strength Cure Your Fears of Change Dare – even in your shy way! A Few Steps For Fighting Depression Activate Your Dream Power Explore Your Past – How to Learn From Memories Eliminate the fears that are holding you back How to make a good impression at a job interview The Healing Powers of Yoga Gain back your time and eliminate stress Improve your relations with your parents Intuition – use it or lose it Create A Realistic Plan For Success How to Overcome Stage Fright Learn To Live Life The Fun Way Integrate in to the new team! Harness the Power of Breathing How to find out what you want from life Improve Your Holidays Through Yoga Improve your image at work Learn to feel good about yourself The Power of Your Inner Voice Your own attitude makes the difference! The Art of Speaking Clearly Stop Putting On Weight During The Holidays Improving Health Through Meditation Understand Your Own Perfectionism Use Your Time More Efficiently A Better Understanding of Hypnosis Tips to follow when you’re feeling down Tips On Training Your Mind Time To Quit Smoking Use Meditation to Lose Weight Products Related Sites Site Map |
|
Copyright 2005 InnerSelfImprovement.com |
|
Michael Paetzold |
Robert Puddy |