Yoga

Yoga is a Sanskrit word which means ‘to join’ or to ‘yoke’ body, mind and spirit in an effort to still the mind and reach a state of pure consciousness.

In the West yoga is often seen merely as a form of exercise, however the benefits derived are far deeper and holistic. Yoga is a Sanskrit word which means ‘to join’ or to ‘yoke’ body, mind and spirit in an effort to still the mind and reach a state of pure consciousness.

Between 200 BCE – 200 CE the ancient sage Patanjali, a Hindu mystic and philosopher, wrote The Yoga Sutras of Patanjali in the form of 196 succinct manuals wherein he offered guidance on how to live an ethical and balanced life and how to practise yoga with the intention of focusing inwardly and stilling the chatter of the mind. The Sanskrit phrase used by Patanjali was ‘Chitta Vritti Nirodha’ which can be translated as ‘stopping the stirrings of the mind’ and this he saw as the aim of all yoga practise.

There are many forms of yoga, some are energised and fast paced, giving an aerobic workout while other styles are slow and mindful offering deep stretching and time for contemplation. However all yoga includes three main aspects viz, ‘asana’ or physical postures which allows energy to move through the body in specific ways, ‘pranayama’ or breath work which influences the nervous system and emotions and ‘pratyahara’ which brings focus in the bodymind in preparation for deeper meditation.

When the above three aspects come together many beneficial physiological, physical and emotional changes occur in the bodymind complex.

What are the benefits

Stretching lengthens the muscles, tendons, ligaments and fascia increasing blood flow, hydrating, oxygenating and nourishing the tissue cells. Research has shown that frequent stretching stimulates stem cells to produce collagen, so keeping the body supple and elastic.
Twisting and squeezing massages and tones the tissues and organs, driving out toxins and pumping the lymphatic system.
Balacing helps the integration of brain hemispheres and develops muscle stamina and strength, particularly as we age.
Therapeutic benefits are well known in the management and alleviation of pain in conditions such as arthritis, osteoporosis, back pain, joint pain and fibromyalgia by improving posture and aiding relaxation.
Breathing. Is an integral part of yoga movement. and yoga postures which bring inward focus and quietening of the mind. Breathing techniques are taught to influence physiology and mental states. In this modern fast paced world of today the average person breathes at around 17 cycles per minute compared to our grandparents time when the average rate was 6 cycles per minute. Breathing rapidly and shallowly activates the sympathetic branch of the vagus nerve into fight/flight, driving up anxiety in the body. Thus learning to breathe more slowly, evenly and deeply, using the diaphragm and drawing the air deep down into the lower lobes of the lungs helps the body to self regulate the nervous system thereby improving anxiety and depression disorders. Breathing correctly helps to improve chronic lung conditions such as asthma and emphysema.
Prevention of cardiac disease is a positive spinoff from learning to breathe correctly. Oxygen levels in the blood stream increase and the heart has to work less hard to pump blood to all the cells throughout the body. Calming the mind and relaxing the body help to lower blood pressure.
Relaxation and stilling of the bodymind. This is the real gem of yoga. Focusing inwards to the present moment eliminates the chatter of the ego mind. In our western culture the brain is seen as the controller of the physical body. We accept everything that the brain tells us to be true: our beliefs, past traumatic memories and conditioning is our reality. We live in the mind and deny our emotions and feelings which are held in the body. Emotions such as anger, fear , sadness and anxiety are considered ‘bad’ and we are afraid to feel and process them. The consequence is that this emotional energy stays trapped in our cells, eventually manifesting as anxiety and depression, or worse, a cancer.

The daily practise of yoga refines and hones the bodymind. By stretching and exercising, being mindful of what we eat and drink, by changing our attitudes and beliefs and coming into the body, we come to know and trust the truth of our authentic self.

Practitioners

Elizabeth Linder

Groenkloof