Performing yoga poses can provide health benefits that you might not be aware of. Here is a list with 4 of them I have been experiencing myself.
Along with all the benefits of modern life, we cannot deny the disconnection of mind and body. Instead forming one single entity, we have been treating them separately. Many studies show the effects of stress in the development of certain conditions and diseases. But we insist on assuming a non-holistic approach.
Practices such as meditation, Reiki and yoga, help us become mindful beings reconnected with the present.
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Because it involves movements, it is logical to associate yoga only with its physical aspects. I myself am much more involved in the practice than with the philosophy behind and what I will call here the “yoga way of life”. But even though I am cannot call myself a yogini, I am in favor of the health benefits that come along with the performance of yoga poses.
Having incorporated it in my daily routine has been helping me throughout my recovery. In my case, there is the mental aspect above all. Once I realized that forcing myself into running was not an option for now, I started to dig in yoga. It gives me the feeling that I am doing “at least” something.
Do not get me wrong. I know yoga is much more than just something, but I never found time to add it to my routine. Even though I could do it at the office once a week during lunch break, I just made it a couple of times. So even though my reasons now may sound the “wrong” ones, I am happy for being able to do it somehow.
I have been practicing on my own with the aid of iOS apps. Besides the practice, I try to learn a little bit more about it and how I can use yoga benefits in other aspects of my life such as health.
Blood Flow
About a month after surgery, I went back to my health-care provider with complaints about my feet. After examining them, he confirmed that I was having issues with my blood flow.
Because of my limited movements, my blood circulation was not optimal. I had to place my feet high whenever possible. Yoga relaxation exercises can help your circulation, especially in your hands and feet.
This week, I was finally able to do shoulderstand again. Sarvangasana, the name of this yoga pose or asana, is said to:
- balance the thyroid and hypothalamus glands
- soothe the parasympathetic nervous system
- promote deep sleep
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Balance
In the rush of our daily responsibilities, we have become less aware of ourselves. We sit for too many hours, generally with bad posture, putting too much pressure in our joints and muscles. Like other physical activities, yoga increases proprioception and improves balance.
Depending on factors such as age and fitness level, balance will mean something different to you. In my case, I went through a shock treatment: on a Tuesday I was kicking it at Crossfit; on the Friday, I went through the operation. A one-mile walk suddenly became a painful experience and I pretty much restarting from zero.
“Yoga is not about self-improvement, it’s about self-acceptance.” – Gurmukh Kaur Khalsa
Breathing
I cannot recall when it started. But for the past months, I started to smell cigarette smoke on daily basis. I do not smoke and there was never someone smoking close by. What I ended up discovering it is considered one of the many symptoms of a brain tumor.
Researching further, I found out that smell is perceived on the temporal lobe, from where my tumor was extracted. I do not have proof that it is my case, but it makes a lot of sense to me.
The other part is that every time I smelled it, I started breathing irregularly. I have always been proud of practicing yoga breathing since I was little (taught by my mom). but I was not feeling comfortable anymore.
Since yoga poses are linked to breathing, I started to get back on track. I still smell the smoke, but if there is no one smoking around me, I just ignore it and breath deeply, through my nose as it should be.
Inhale. Exhale. Repeat. – Image source: WeHeartIt
Migraines
I suffer from migraines since the age of 9. After more than 30 years together, I understand its mechanisms well. I know clearly the difference between them and headaches.
In fact, it was thanks to this understanding of mine that I was able to get such an early diagnosis on my brain tumor. Even though all my doctors said there was no connection, they still triggered me ask for the scan .
My headaches did not disappear after surgery. The difference is that since I started doing yoga on a daily basis, I have not experience that much migraine anymore.
Yoga helps with stress reduction. It is a benefit provided by other physical activities as well. But if your are options are limited like mine or if you prefer an practice that also helps you unwind, yoga is the ideal option for you.
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Are these the only health benefits you can get from practicing yoga? Not at all. I just wrote about the ones I have already experienced in this more than a month of daily practices.
What are the health benefits of yoga poses that you have already experienced?
Please note that I am not a yoga coach or expert. Remember to consult your health-care-provider before starting any physical activity.
4 Fabulous Health Benefits of Yoga You Need to Know
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Have a fabulous Saturday!
#DebbieinShape
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Resources:
- 10 Reasons to Practice Shoulderstand Every Day: http://www.mindbodygreen.com/0-6214/10-Reasons-to-Practice-Shoulderstand-Every-Day.html
- 38 Health Benefits of Yoga: http://www.yogajournal.com/article/health/count-yoga-38-ways-yoga-keeps-fit/
- Why You Smell Phantom Cigarette Smoke When Nobody’s Smoking: http://www.scarysymptoms.com/2012/01/why-you-smell-phantom-cigarette-smoke.html