THE
YOGA CONNECTION
By Glenda Wynne
“As our life is shaped The Mind Body Connection
by our mind, we
Not just a full body workout, yoga has been proven to prevent trips to the doc-
tor and chiropractor as well being confirmed to relieve stress and insomnia. It
become what we
also teaches control, consciousness of being, and encourages deep breathing and
“breath with purpose,” also known as pranayama, which translates as “the science
think.”
of breathing.”
When it comes to the
Benefits to Physical Health
regular practice of Yoga,
Yoga’s benefits to good physical health are immeasurable because many postures
stabilize the function of the immune system, regulate hormones, improve flexibil-
this pearl of wisdom
ity and strengthen muscle and bone. This in turn can help fight diseases such as
diabetes, osteoporosis, arthritis and pain. Although it is rarely discussed, a regular
from an ancient spiritual
practice may also be capable of strengthening the heart.
text also applies to the
Mental Health Benefits
shaping of bodies and Yoga has been proven to reduce stress to the central nervous system, which can
cause major or chronic health issues such as high blood pressure, elevated blood
souls. Easily capable
sugar and increased pain. If the body is unable to turn off the stress response for
of providing an overall
even a short period of time it can take an unhealthy toll on physical health. A regular
yoga practice can help relieve stress and has been proven to reduce cortisol, norepi-
fitness program, Yoga
nepherine and epinephrine, chemicals the body releases during stressful events.
can be the catalyst for
Improved Circulation
making very positive
Yoga can boost circulation, which improves the flow of blood and oxygen
throughout the body. Although its aerobic effect is rarely considered, Yoga poses
healthy life changes that
are stimulating exercises. Many inverted poses force the flow of blood through the
heart, thus increasing cardiovascular function and strengthening the heart. In the
impact the mind, body
January 2005 issue of the Yoga Journal, Timothy McCall, MD, writes “regular (yoga)
and soul.
practice can lower the heart rate, increase endurance and improve the uptake of
oxygen which yields the same result as aerobic conditioning”.
Yoga bodies come in all sizes and shapes. A universal practice, which can begin at
any age and continue throughout a lifetime, with which many individuals not only
enjoy a healthier lifestyle but also a boost to their self-confidence as well as their
level of awareness that ignites other positive results. The more we are self-aware,
the easier it is to break free of our destructive habits or emotions.
B.K.S. Iyengar, a well-known yogic guru, taught that the mind is a vital link
between the body and the consciousness. Yoga, derived from a Sanskrit word
which means union, can provide the path toward a better life because it creates
a union of body, mind and soul. Individuals who are looking to make positive
changes in 2010, may want to consider putting Yoga lessons on their New Year’s
Intentions list.
Glenda Wynne is a Registered Nurse with a Mental Health Degree who has been
teaching yoga at Smith Mountain Lake for more than four years. She and her
husband own VitaZen, a health and wellness store at Smith Mountain Lake. Call
540-721-9365 or email Glenda@VitaZen.net.
14
Southwestern Virginia
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