The Science of Yoga

by The Kevala Centre

How Yoga can improve health and fitness?

The question that yoga teachers are asked most often is ”what can yoga do for me, how can it improve my health and fitness?”

The physical strength and suppleness and good posture that regular yoga practice brings should be obvious but the more subtle effects upon the mind etc may not be.

Yoga takes great care of the body, cleansing and detoxifying internally as well as working on the muscular skeletal system.

The efficiency of the breathing is improved which keeps away illnesses affecting the chest, bronchial tubes and the nasal passages.

The circulation and lymphatic systems are constantly being stimulated during asana practice, which helps heal and rejuvenate the body.

Yoga is said to strengthen the immune system, but diet and generally looking after yourself play a great part as well.
It helps regulate the endocrine system so that the quantities of hormones are secreted from all the glands in the body. This helps both physically and mentally.

The organs of the body are rejuvenated, the muscles and bones, glandular, respiratory, excretory and circulatory systems are all co-ordinated so that they work together to keep you healthy.

The digestion is improved so that the saliva and enzymes flow in the right quantities to the right places at the right times.

The sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems are brought into a state of balance so that the internal organs which they control are neither under or over active. Asanas maintain the body at its optimum state of health.

Regular yoga practice such as relaxation, breathing techniques and meditation including the philosophy help to make one mentally strong and able to cope with pain or unhappiness and as a yoga practitioner gains an inner strength, the powers of determination and concentration are developed.

The Inner strength which is gained from regular practice enables one to face the problems of the world without being disturbed. When the physical body is strong and healthy, the mind is more stable and difficulties can even become stepping stones to perfect mental health. Confidence improves.

If you are intersted in training as a Yoga Teacher please click here for full details of The Kevala Centre Yoga Teaching Diploma