Some Things to Know About Yoga
What are the general benefits of yoga?How often should I do yoga to attain these benefits?
What is yogic breathing and what are its benefits?
What is the purpose of practicing the deep relaxation pose, (corpse pose or Savasana) at the end of yoga class? Should we practice savasana after each class?
How old should a child be before they can start doing yoga?
How often should a child practice?
How does yoga help injuries, illness or chronic conditions?
Q: What are the general benefits of yoga?
A: Most people who practice yoga on a regular basis report an overall improvement in their well-being: physical, mental and emotional. Yoga postures, movements and attention to breathing result in the pleasingly paradoxical effect of more energy and greater calmness at the same time. Yoga not only helps increase flexibility, but improves strength and balance. While toning the structural body, yoga also enhances functions of the digestive, circulatory, nervous and endocrine systems. This comprehensive and integrated tune-up yields clearer thinking and increased emotional clarity. Finally, one of the most immediate benefits of yoga is that it is fun and feels good.
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Q: How often should I do yoga to attain these benefits?
A: One of the most wonderful aspects of yoga is that it can and should be adapted to each individual’s unique condition, situation and nature. It’s important to find a way to practice that is enjoyable and suits you. In general, the more often you practice, even if for just a short time, the better. Some people will attend class once a week; some will also start to practice at home. Initially, you may enjoy practicing with videos and DVDs. But also trust yourself to experiment and find what works for you. Be patient. As you begin to experience the value of yoga, and remember the postures and practices, you can create your own yoga routine. Feel free to ask your instructor for guidance.
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Q: What is yogic breathing and what are its benefits?
A: Yogic breathing is a term used for breathing consciously. Yoga teaches students to breathe much more slowly and deeply. In yogic breathing one breathes from the abdomen in order to use full capacity of the lungs. Slow, deep breathing has a soothing effect on the nervous system and results in a sense of calm and relaxation. It reduces the strain on the heart and can lower blood pressure. People tend to breathe very unconsciously. They are rarely aware of how quickly and shallowly they breathe. Most people breathe an average of 16 or more times per minute, and almost exclusively from the upper chest. This type of breathing puts undo strain on the nervous system and is most often a result of the stress and anxiety that so many people fall victim to. Stress stimulates the flow of adrenaline which stimulates the heart to beat faster than it should. This can cause blood pressure to rise.
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Q: What is the purpose of practicing the deep relaxation pose, (corpse pose or Savasana) at the end of yoga class? Should we practice Savasana after each class?
A: The relaxation pose which we practice at the end of class, (and sometimes for short spells during a class) is one of the most important of all the poses (asanas). During this final relaxation time, we allow our bodies to be still and our minds to stay focused on observing the breath. As we master this pose, we learn to quiet our bodies and minds. As one of my favorite teachers says, “it is the essence of yoga made simple -- going within and experiencing yourself”. Relax, pay attention, and see what happens. The benefits of learning to do this are enormous. Through this pose we relax, become refreshed and rejuvenated. It is very important to practice savasana after practicing the asanas. All aspects of ourselves are brought into balance --body, mind and spirit. It gives us time to absorb the benefits of all the poses we have experienced in our practice. The relaxation pose helps to improve circulation, regulate blood pressure, reduces fatigue and promotes calmness and peace of mind. This pose helps us to develop our inner sensitivity and self-awareness.
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Q: How old should a child be before they can start doing yoga?
A: Children as young as five do well in a children’s or children and parents yoga class. However even toddlers enjoy doing yoga poses in an informal and playful setting. Children should be allowed to explore and never be forced practice.
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Q: How often should a child practice?
A: Children are very in tune with their bodies. Just provide them with a safe a clean place and a lot of encouragement and they will figure out how much yoga they want to do. Practicing with them and giving them lots of positive feedback is a natural and loving way to sustain their interest in doing yoga.
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Q: How does yoga help injuries, illness or chronic conditions?
A: Therapeutic yoga can address a wild range of injuries. Injuries, chronic conditions and illness are handled by modifying standard asanas (yoga poses) and breathing exercises (pranayama) according the needs and abilities of each student. Asanas are chosen to increase range of motion in the injured area, strengthen weakened tissue, and bring flexibility to stiff joints, muscles and scar tissue. Breathing practices help to reduce the physical and mental stress that results from injury and pain. Overall, yoga is an excellent practice for facilitating the healing process, and for improving one's sense of well being and quality of life. Of course, if you are injured, we ask that you consult your primary medical professional before beginning yoga, or any other course of exercise.
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