Bikram Yoga Postures

Majority of the people are unaware that the practice of Yoga gives physical and emotional benefits.  This article is an introduction to Yoga and an overview of its main psychological and physical benefits.

Yoga is considered a science in many places on Earth, such as India, indeed.  This is not a figure of speech; Yoga is understood as a science, understood in through scientific methods.

The science of Yoga seeks to know what are the causes and the effects; this also builds principles based from unbiased observations.  As a matter of fact, in most places in this entire world, in order to become a yogic master of any class, one should be a master of applied sciences (such as Physics) and the biological sciences.

To sensibly ask about the benefits of yoga, it is important to include a discussion on yoga as a form of science.  If yoga is a form of belief or faith, then asking this kind of question is not fair at all; this is because we will not understand the answer of yoga without being biased.

Yoga is a form of science which seeks to understand the reactions and the actions of one’s body to changes on the internal physical surroundings. This is as empirical and as pragmatic as kinesiology (the science of exercise).  “Why should I bother practicing yoga and what are the experiences or the benefits can I expect from it?” This is a question any person has the right to ask.

Indeed, the experience of Yoga cannot be comprehended in terms of words alone, yet its goals and principles are understandable. Thus is very much like reading a book about how to prepare for a marathon will not really prepare you to run for one.

“Meditation” is usually used by people who are healthy as a way to reduce stress. You may find this practice helpful in alleviating the effects of allergies, asthma, arthritis, chronic pain and other stress-related medical conditions.

Yoga includes series of postures and positions where you focus on the way you breathe (exhaling and inhaling in specific movements).   You can think of yoga as a means to improve your spirituality and promote the flexibility of your body.

The core of Yoga is on the connection of the mind and body. These are attained using three things:

- postures (asanas)

- proper breathing (pranayama)

- meditation

The combination of the practices of breathing, meditation and asanas is where one’s mind and body gets guidance and inspiration.  Our bodies become susceptible to poisons and toxins, caused by environmental poor diet, as we age.

Yoga helps out in the cleansing of the body, converting it like a brand new machine.

Physical Benefits

The benefits of yoga are achieved through using these three principles. Some of these benefits are:

- Equilibrium in the body’s central nervous system

- Decrease in pulse

- Respiratory and blood pressure rates

- Cardiovascular efficiency

- Gastrointestinal system stabilization

- Increased breath-holding time

-Improvement in dexterity

- Improved balance

- Improved depth perception

- Improved memory

Psychological Benefits

Yoga gives an array of psychological gains, as mentioned earlier. As a matter of fact, this is the very reason why most people start practicing it.  Improvement in the ability to handle stress is yoga’s foremost psychological benefit.  Levels of anxiety, lethargy and depression are reduced by Yoga. This enables one to achieve balance and happiness in life, which are important and rather spiritual. Yoga is a way to release dangerous emotions that may hinder one to have a healthy living, which is far from just mere stretching and meditation.

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