There is a proverb that says, “Health is wealth”. Health is more important than anything in life. Due to the rat race of the modern world, people either have forgotten or barely have time to take care of their health. Resulting in health problems sooner or later in their life. A person in bad health neither can enjoy life nor be at peace. So it is crucial to find a way and time to stay fit nowadays. But what it should be? Now, exercise (gym, acrobats, sports etc.) emphasize only toning or developing specific muscles. Whereas yoga can give you an experience beyond your expectation. So let’s delve deep into the ocean of yoga to know why is it better than exercise.
Why choose yoga?
Yoga is procured from the Sanskrit word ‘yuj’ meaning to join. Yoga is the union of body, mind and soul. The world-famous yoga icon B.K.S Iyengar said, “Yoga is when every cell of the body sings the song of the soul”. Yoga activates each and every cell of the body, stabilizing the body and mind. It includes the harmony of body, mind and soul at the same time. Through yoga, you get the opportunity to identify and connect with your true self. You learn to be a selfless person as you continue to practice yoga.
You learn to find peace within yourself rather than relying on other things. Yoga introduces you to yourself like never before. Through yoga, you heal not only body but your mind and soul as well. The practice of yoga is the journey to the lifelong discovery of the self. As the only real thing in this world that you possess completely is no one but yourself. Nothing belongs to you apart from your own soul. Everything in this world is going to decay someday but it is the soul that remains forever.
I, myself have experienced that yoga teaches balance, stability, control, focus, confidence, positive attitude, content, and self-motivation. All these lessons help us become a better person. Yoga transforms an individual completely in the best way possible. Meditation helps us to calm down and eliminate negative running here and there. Yoga nourishes our body internally and externally which ultimately leads to inner peace.
Effects of Asanas
Asanas include bending, stretching, balancing and inversion of the body. Asanas teach you to use your body in the ways you have never imagined before. You get to understand your true potential through yoga asanas. You learn to break and set new limits as you proceed towards a high group of asanas. Practicing asanas strengthen bones, muscles, ligaments and joints. They expand flexibility, improve breathing, cleanses the body and increase energy levels.
Various asanas balance the respiratory, circulatory, nervous, hormonal, digestive, excretory and reproductive systems. Thus maintains the equilibrium of the body which helps the mind to be at peace. When this happens, the mind becomes naturally active. An alert and active mind vanish laziness of the body and stimulate positive attitude. Chemical balance in the body becomes well maintained. Body and mind relax improving the efficiency of the practitioner.
Effects of Pranayama/Meditation
Pranayama includes inhaling and exhaling of breath in a controlled and particular manner. Breathing is a powerful tool for managing stress and to connect with your soul. Meditation gradually reduces frustration, anger, fear, desire or any other negativity. Our body receives an extra supply of oxygen when we practice pranayama. Because of which all the organs retain health and function will full capacity.
Pranic blockage clears up, lungs’ efficiency increases, digestive fire stimulates, purification of blood are some other benefits of practicing pranayama. The whole body rejuvenates. At the end of every yoga sessions, an individual attains the peace of mind and body. No breathlessness but a relaxed state of mind and body. There will be a fresh flow of energy in the whole body making you love the life at the moment.
Therapeutic Application of yoga
Yoga improves immunity by focusing on the areas affected by a disease. Hence it is used for therapeutic purposes for eliminating numerous diseases. Through yoga a huge number of people have experienced relief in general health issues such as back pain, indigestion, constipation, neck pain, sleeplessness, high blood pressure etc. And in severe conditions such as cervical spondylitis, slipped disc, sciatica, asthma, arthritis, diabetes, depression etc. Old age people find yoga very comfortable and easy to practice.
Yoga makes a person self-efficient to control or cure a disease without the use of medications. It is far better than taking any kind of drugs that come with harmful side effects. Taking such drugs for a long period of time fills the body with a huge quantity of toxins. The problem never cures rather it is suppressed and controlled which makes the patient’s life burden, not a blessing. The will to live gradually diminish in such people.
Effects of exercise
Exercise is quick and forceful body movements. It involves repeated actions straining targeted muscles. While performing the exercise, there is an increase in blood pressure, respiration rate and metabolic rate which leads to tension and fatigue. It causes an imbalance in our systems which leads to chaos in mind. It exhausts cellular reserves and endocrine glands. There is an increase in cellular toxins which leads to the irritation of body systems.
Exercise does not go beyond skeletal and muscular systems. Here, the movements are restricted to an extent and limitation. Exercise only focuses on external body. At the end of the session, the individual feels exhausted. For exercise, you rely on equipment and pay for classes. No wonder that the muscles get toned but what about the health of internal organs? Unlike yoga, people still remain vulnerable to develop a disease when they only exercise.
Hope after reading this post, you will find yoga interesting and beautiful way of leading a healthy life.
Stay healthy stay strong and get the best out of life.
Thanks for reading.
