WHY YOGA?

---------

The Human body is designed to move. Unfortunately, as we age we tend to move the body less and less. This lack of basic movement leads to an endless array of aches, ailments, and disease, setting the ground work for serious health issues in the future. Yoga is the science of achieving optimal health on all levels: physically, mentally, emotionally and spiritually. The aim of yoga is twofold: to systematically move the body through its full ranges of motion, and to encourage conscious relaxation by stilling the internal chatter of the mind. The overall effect is simple but profound….to feel good!

Peace of Mind- Yoga postures anchor your mind into the moment, allowing past and future to dissolve into the now, where no stress or worries can survive.

Improved Coordination- As you practice, the teacher will be giving alignment cues of how to move your body in a very detailed way. The mind must absorb the information and call on the appropriate body part to act. With time this transfer of information becomes more refined and efficient.

Healthy Tissues- When muscles are tight, blood flow is restricted. Oxygen is carried to all areas of the body via blood. When muscles are moved through their full range of motion they relax allowing blood and oxygen to flow freely, which feeds the tissue. Compressions performed in certain postures act in the same way, feeding the organs or tissues after the release.

Core Strength- The muscles surrounding the spine and the abdominal region are a major focus of the yoga practice. Every movement we make is initiated from this region. A strong core gives you stability and strength for any physical activity and creates a healthy spinal region.

Improved Posture- Yoga forces you to become more aware of your body in any position. While sitting, standing, walking, and even laying down you are conscious of the alignment of your body.  By taking your muscles through their full range of motion they can soften and relax helping any sublexations or misalignments in the skeletal system to readjust and align.

Cardiovascular Health- Your heart rate will increase during your yoga practice, putting positive stress on the heart, which creates strength and more efficiency in its function. With a stronger pumping heart, your blood will pulse more effectively throughout the body.

Stronger Muscles- The common misconception is that yoga is only about flexibility. The truth is that yoga develops dense, lean muscle, which more aptly supports your body and skeletal system, creating functional strength to sustain the daily rigors of any lifestyle.

Joint Capsule Care- Synovial fluid is found in most joints. This fluid lubricates the ends of the bones and makes movements smooth. Yoga moves the joints through their full range of motion encouraging a healthy production/stimulation of synovial fluid.

Detoxification- Through the process of heating the body and moving muscles through their full range of motion, toxins are released from the tissues of the body.  If properly hydrated, these toxins will be released through the elimination system.  Your lymphatic system boosts your immunity and reduces toxins in your body.  The only way to get your lymphatic system flowing well is by movement.

Stress Reduction- Yoga reduces the physical effects of stress on the body, By encouraging relaxation, yoga helps to lower the levels of cortisol.  Related benefits include lowering blood pressure and heart rate, improving digestion and boosting the immune system as well as easing symptoms of conditions such as anxiety, depression, and fatigue.

Pain Management-  Yoga can reduce pain.  Studies have demonstrated that practicing yoga can reduce pain for people with conditions such as cancer, multiple Sclerosis, auto-immune diseases and hypertension as well as arthritis, back and neck pain, carpel tunnel syndrome, fibromyalgia, eczema, irritable bowel syndrome and other chronic conditions.