-Article courtesy of www.freshearth.co.za -based in Emmarentia, Johannesburg
Yes, yes, we all know that our stress levels are through the roof and our diets are down the toilet
.
That puts our health on a steady decline, and we see an increase in
hypertension, heart attacks, strokes and diabetes. And yes, we know we
have to eat more veg and fruit, drink less, quit smoking and hit the
gym, regularlyBut who feels like repetitively running on a treadmill or dully getting through a circuit? It may be good for you physically, but it might just drive you crazy.So, what is the best bet to get fit and de-stress?
We think. yoga.
Now, let's get one thing straight, yoga ain't for sissies. In fact, depending on the form you are doing, it can be one of the toughest types of exercise in the world. And yoga is good for you – very good. Not only because is it good for your physical vitality, but it is also good for your chakras or biochemistry, your emotional wellbeing, and your stress levels. But, why, you ask? Yoga is a science that is a few thousand years old. Ancient theories, observations and principles regarding the mind and body connection were used in the development of this practice. This knowledge is now being proved by modern medical science.
Yoga consists of three elements, the asanas (poses), breathing or pranayama and meditation. Physiologically, yoga has many benefits. It slows the heart and respiratory rate, drops blood pressure, increases relaxing and meditative alpha brain waves, normalises gastrointestinal and endocrine function and increases joint and musculoskeletal flexibility. It is also excellent for posture, balance, sleep and even increases immunity.While doing the asanas there is a lot of focus on breathing and in this meditative state, self-acceptance, wellbeing, memory, learning efficiency and general mood all improve. Anxiety and depression are shown to decrease with regular yoga and it is often indicated for people who suffer from depression.
Biochemically, yoga is great. It drops the LDL or bad cholesterol and increases the HDL or good version, and it drops sodium and glucose levels. It is very good for your blood as it increases both the haematocrit and haemoglobin levels, which provide your body with better oxygen and nutrient delivery. White blood cells and in particular, lymphocytes increase to increase immunity. Overall, and as previously mentioned, the benefits of yoga are no longer accepted only by the hippies and bunny huggers, but also by the medical and scientific fraternity.
There are several forms of yoga, some of which are indicated only for the experienced. Yoga initiates are urged to start with Hatha, an easy-to-learn basic form of yoga, essentially the foundation of all the yoga styles. It incorporates the asanas, pranayama, meditation and kundalini (Laya Yoga) into a complete system that can be used to achieve enlightenment or self-realisation. The ideal way to practice Hatha Yoga is to approach the session in a calm, meditative mood. Sit quietly for a few moments, then begin the series, slowly, with control and grace, being inwardly aware as the body performs the various poses selected for the practice session. Kundalini practice concentrates on awakening the energy at the base of the spine, near the root chakra and then, drawing it upward. In addition to postures, a typical class will also include chanting, meditation, and breathing exercises. Ananda yoga focusses on gentle postures as in Hatah but, they are designed to move the energy up to the brain to prepare the body for mediation. Classes also focus on proper body alignment and controlled breathing. Ashtanga yoga is, simply put, very difficult. Those in the know say that it is “an athletic yoga practice and is not for beginners”. It is a form of power yoga that synchronises breathing with a progressive and continuous series of postures. This process produces intense internal heat and a profuse, purifying sweat, which detoxifies muscles and organs. The result is improved circulation, flexibility, stamina, a light and strong body, and a calm mind.
Bikram is not much better and really turns up the heat. It comprises a comprehensive workout, which includes all the components of fitness: muscular strength and endurance, cardiovascular flexibility and weight loss. The founder, Bikram Choudhury, was a gold medal Olympic weight lifter in 1963. One of the unusual but most beneficial aspects of Bikram yoga’s practice is the room temperature, which is set somewhere between 35 and 40ºC. This promotes more flexibility, detoxification, and prevents injuries. A more traditional type of yoga, Integral Yoga, combines asanas, breathing exercises, selfless service, meditation, chanting, prayer, and self-inquiry. One type of yoga, Ishta, which was developed by a South African teacher, Mani Finger, and was popularised in the US by his son Alan, focuses on opening energy channels throughout the body with postures, visualisations, and meditation.
Iyengar yoga is a more encompassing type of yoga which promotes strength, flexibility, endurance, and balance through co-ordinated breathing and poses that require precise body alignment. The poses are generally held longer than in other styles of yoga. In Iyengar, you slowly move into a pose, hold it for a minute or so, and then rest for a few breaths before stretching into another. Equipment, such as cushions, blankets, straps, and blocks to help the less flexible, also distinguishes Iyengar from other types of yoga. Although Iyengar incorporates the traditional postures, or asanas, that make up the broader category of Hatha yoga, the cushions and other props revolutionised yoga by enabling everyone, even the elderly, sick, and disabled, to practice. Because of its slow pace, attention to detail, and use of props, Iyengar yoga can be especially good if you're recovering from an injury. Iyengar is still one of the most popular types of yoga taught today.
Another form of yoga for those needing a more therapeutic form of exercise is Viniyoga. This is commonly used as a therapeutic practice for people who have suffered injuries or are recovering from surgery. It is a gentle, healing practice that is tailored to each person's body type and needs as they grow and change.
Jivamukti yoga was developed in 1986 by Sharon Gannon and David Life. The method expresses the spiritual and ethical aspects of the practice of yoga that have been disregarded or devalued in contemporary times. It is a vigorous and challenging asana form with an emphasis on scriptural study, Sanskrit chanting, vegetarianism, non-violence, meditation, devotion to god and the role that music and listening play in the practice of yoga. Sivananda yoga is a traditional type of yoga that combines postures, breathing, dietary restrictions, chanting, scriptural study, and meditation.
Gear for yoga is simple... find stretch pants, a T-shirt that is not too loose and a yoga mat. This is classified as sportswear, an industry rife with child labour, sweatshops, toxins and all kinds of nasties. The September edition of Ethical Living deals with the issues pertaining to sportswear (www.ethicalliving.co.za).
There you go... no excuses to get fit, de-stress, be holistically healthy and ethical to boot.
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