BENEFITS OF YOGA

Benefits of Yoga include:

• growth and well being
• strength
• balance
• flexiblity
• a feeling of inner calm
• access to the abundance of energy
• expanded awareness

The combination of breathing and gentle exercise can free the mind and the body from stress, resulting in clarity which can empower us to act rather than react.

WHAT YOU CAN EXPECT FROM A YOGA CLASS

Asana  - body exercise

Pranayama  - breathing exercise

Bandhas – energetic locks

Relaxation – various approaches are used including Yoga Nidra

The overall effect of these are to change and clarify the total person. Moving from the more fragmented end of the scale towards the more complete wholeness which is then experienced at a deeper state of awareness.

Asana:  Hatha Yoga = Hatha is a compound word made up of Ha meaning Moon tha meaning Sun. So HathaYoga means bringing harmony between the Sun and Moon aspects of our being. The right nostril is connected to the Sun aspect: the left is associated with the Moon aspect.

Asana has a direct effect on the Endocrine System and the Central Nervous System, balancing and toning both  The Endocrine system is particularly affected by

Backbends:  Bhujangasana, Ustrasana and Dhanurasana are very good because of their direct effect upon the adrenal glands and also effects on the thyroid gland.                                                                                                                  

Gentle Twists: Open the chest and bring vitality from one side of the body to the other as well as from the base of the spine to the crown of the head.  Twists improve the ability to concentrate.

Inversions: Inverted postures such as shoulder stand or headstand are useful as they alter the flow of blood, lymphatic drainage and cranial sacral fluid. This increases the availability of oxygen and glucose in the brain required for the creation of the ‘feel-good’ neurotransmitters of norepinephrine, dopamine and serotonin. If the full inversion is not feasible other are a number of other options using supports

Pranayama: The Breath is often described in yoga as the bridge between the body and mind. The practice of yogic breathing, can have a powerful effect on the mind and body - elevating mood and consciousness by directly increasing the flow of prana, life force, through the entire system. By consciously controlling the breath the amount of prana in the body may be controlled, either energising or calming the system, depending on the practice. There are various types of pranayama including NadiShodhana.

IDA – Left Nostril	PINGALA – Right Nostril
Feminine (Cold)	Male (Warm)
Passive	Active
Introvert	Extrovert
Moon	Sun
Parasympathetic brain	Sympathetic

The Central Nervous System is made up of the brain the spinal cord and the fascial tissue, in yoga we talk about the Nadis which approximate to the fascia. Two of the important Nadis are Ida and Pingala. Hatha Yoga aims to balance the flow of energy in the two sides of the body both  in asana practice and in Pranayama (breathing disciplines). Balance between the  two nadis above to ensure that neither the physical or mental faculty predominates.

Bhandhas are special physical positions of the body or part of the body which induce deeper .physiological and mental changes in one’s being.

Relaxation: meaning the release of tension from both the body and the mind for a period of time to allow complete rest and revitalisation. Holding tension weakens the body and makes it more prone to infection. Those who can easily relax can do more work, can enjoy life more, need less sleep and have smoother social relationships in all spheres of life. Relaxation can also encourage confidence.and an ability to relax under all circumstances.

• Increased energy
• Stress release
• Higher cognitive functioning
• Improved immune functioning
  

Yoga sessions are of 60 minutes duration and develop the following:

• Strength
• Flexibility
• Balance of the whole person
  

Mental clarity is improved and the 'feel good' factor is not to be understated.

Minimal disruption:

• Only tracksuit and tee-shirt and a rug are required
• Exertion is gentle so showers are not required
• Yoga mats and supports are provided