What is yoga?
Yoga is a holistic system aimed at creating balance and therefore health and wellbeing, in body, heart and mind. It's ancient tried and tested techniques have been around for well over 2000 years.
Modern science and research has proven yoga's effectiveness in combating many imbalances (dis-eases) of the physical and physiological systems.
Yoga practices include:
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asana (physical movements and positions)
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pranayama (breathing)
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meditation (seated or moving)
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yoga nidra (relaxation)
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mudra (physical gestures that affect the mental and emotional systems)
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chanting
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kriyas (cleansing)
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bandhas (physical gestures that release energetic blockages)
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philosophical study: aimed at developing self-awareness and giving guidance for “right” living.
While i use most of these practices in my weekly classes, for more indepth experience i reccommend attending a workshop or retreat.
Who is it for?
Anyone, whatever your age, flexibility, fitness level, mobility, social background, can practise yoga.
There is a yoga system and teacher to suit everyone. There is no such thing as being 'good' at yoga! it is more than an exercise class, it supports physical, mental and emotional well being. For some it can also be a spiritual practice (though not a religion).
Sometimes if you have a particular condition to work with, one-to-one work might be more suitable for you, however i can suggest adaptations of practices during classes to suit your level of experience and personal needs.
Benefits of yoga.
Based on many research programmes worldwide, yoga's benefits are being documented as having positive effects on many of our physical and mental processes. It is a way of maintaining physical health, but has also been found to support chemical balance in the body, and of course has that well -known “feel-good factor” that supports stress relief, positivity and all round well being.
(ref:
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improves flexibility
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builds muscle strength
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perfects your posture
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Prevents cartilage and joint breakdown
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Protects your spine by keeping the discs supple
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Betters your bone health through weight bearing
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Increases your blood flow
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Drains your lymph and boosts immunity
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Boosts your heart rate
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Balances your blood pressure
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Regulates your adrenal glands (thereby balancing hormone release e.g. Cortisol – the stress hormone)
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Makes you happier – aids release of stress relieving and pleasure hormones. Regulates nervous system
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Supports a healthy lifestyle
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Lowers blood sugar
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Helps you focus and improves concentration
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Relaxes your system
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Improves your balance
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Maintains your nervous system
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Releases tension in your limbs / muscles / connective tissues
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Helps you sleep deeper
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Boosts your immune system functionality
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Gives your lungs room to breathe
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Prevents or supports management of IBS and other digestive problems
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Gives you peace of mind
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Increases your self-esteem, boosts confidence, develops inner strength
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Eases and helps with management of pain
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Builds awareness for transformation, thereby developing the ability to create positive change in your life
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develops friendliness, compassion, and greater equanimity
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links body and mind, thereby increasing potential for mental and emotional regulation and healing
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develops inner guidance (“intuitive inner wisdom”)
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encourages self care and care for others