Why yoga?

The benefits of Yoga have been known anecdotally, accepted and understood for an estimated 5000 years. This ancient practice has made its way westward and has been adapted and evolved as it has transversed the cultural divides. The diverse nature of yoga means it has now grown to suit a variety of needs and abilities, which is why there are now numerous therapeutic branches of yoga. Yet in their essence all these practices nod back and hold their roots firmly in the traditions of yoga. Yoga brings us back to our bodies, connecting us to the stillness of the present moment, the perfection and acceptance of ‘what is’ and who we are. Yoga is not a religious practice particular to any set of beliefs but it is a very private spiritual practice that brings our existence into focus. Yoga has been studied and scrutinised by our western standards, including the benefits of breathing exercises and meditation and the science supports the long known, respected effects of a regular yoga practice.

Benefits of yoga as a physical practice

• Improved alignment, flexibility and strength
• Improved cardiovascular health
• Increased sense of wellbeing and calm
• Improved balance and posture
• Increased immune response through reduced cortisol
• Improved mental performance and clarity
• Improved resilience to stress
• Increased energy

Breath (prana), awareness/control (yama), is a fundamental element of any yoga practice. We are always conscious of the flow of breath throughout our practice and we also work with specific breathing techniques that have varying effects on the mind, such as balancing, calming, energising etc.
The breath is our constant companion, it is both an unconscious act of survival and at the same time, it can be brought under our fully conscious control, bridging the expanse between the conscious and unconscious. It is well recognised that our quality of breath directly affects or indicates our state of mind and emotions. The breath can switch on or off the sympathetic nervous system, for example breathing fast, shallow breaths creates a sense of tension within the body, indicating stress and danger is present, our sympathetic nervous system (fight, flight or freeze) is activated and a cascade of hormones are released, adrenalin being one. In contrast, actively slowing the breath, taking mindful deep and long breaths, concentrating on lengthening the exhale, switches us into the parasympathetic system, telling us all is safe, danger has passed and we can return to homeostasis. When we are in a constant state of fight, flight or freeze and have dysfunctional breathing patterns our physical, emotional and mental state is that of anxiety, inability to focus, tension, aggravation and high alert, long term this is highly detrimental to health. Simple breathing techniques help us regulate this dysfunctional pattern and return us to a sense of calm. Your breath is the only natural conscious tool that helps to regulate the central nervous system in this way and is a very effective tool when we work with toning it regularly. 

Yoga is a moving meditation in itself. Short meditation and mindfulness practices are included in all of the classes I offer. Yoga nidra is guided meditation or yogic sleep and can also be accessed as a separate offering. Meditation has numerous proven benefits, which we have seen studied and documented extensively now. Benefits range from restoring a sense of balance and calm to improved focus, concentration and problem solving skills.