The Benefits of Yoga for Mind, Body and Soul
In this introductory blog, we explore the myriad benefits of practicing yoga. From improved flexibility and strength to reduced stress and enhanced mental clarity, discover how yoga can positively impact your overall well-being. We also touch on the history and philosophy of yoga as a foundation for understanding its transformative effects.
The roots of yoga can be traced back to 5,000 years ago in Northern India. The earliest transcripts of yoga are found in Vedic literature, the vedas, which were written in sanskrit, an ancient Indo- European language. They consisted of a collection of hymns and poems. The word veda is sanskrit for “knowledge” and they are key to understanding the truth about yoga’s existence.
Yoga is a sanskrit word which translates to “yoke” or “unite”. It comes from an oral tradition where teaching was directly transmitted from teacher to student. Patanjali, an Indian sage built this oral tradition into the yoga sutras, a 2,000 year old philosophical guide. It consists of 195 statements, all giving advice on how to gain mastery over the emotions, mind and how to grow spiritually. Sutra means “thread” and the sutras provide the framework for all modern yoga.
The sutras outline the eight limbs of yoga which can be defined as follows:
Yamas - restraints
Niyamas - observances
Asana - postures
Pranayama - breathing
Pratyahara - withdrawal of senses
Dharana - concentration
Dhyani - meditation
Samadhi- absorption
Most people who practice yoga today are working with the third limb, asana. But this is just one aspect of the practice. It is used to prepare the body and calm the nervous system in preparation for meditation. The philosophy is that if the body is strong, we can sit still for long periods of meditation to reach samadhi, the final stage at which union with the divine is reached.
This is a snapshot of the history and philosophy of yoga. Let's look at it now from a modern lens. Western science supports how this ancient practice can help us to find more health and happiness in our lives. On a personal level, it helps me to feel focused, reduces stress, impulsivity and regulates my emotions.
Yoga and the breathing exercises associated with it helps to regulate the nervous system, meaning it can be very effective for treating depression and anxiety. It also balances hormones in the body and reduces cortisol.
Physically, yoga helps us to become stronger, improves balance, flexibility and mobility. There are many more benefits to enjoy from this amazing practice. Speaking from a practitioner point of view, yoga helps me feel grounded and more balanced in all aspects of my life.
If you’re thinking of trying yoga, another big benefit is that it can be scaled for different skill levels. There is something for every “body”, whether you’re looking for beginners or something a bit more challenging. Yoga can also be adapted into a chair for people with mobility and balance issues. Yoglasgow! Deliver free therapeutic community chair yoga, primarily to people in the east and north of the city.
At the moment, I teach yoga classes on Tuesday evenings and Saturday mornings at The Wellbeing Hub in the east end of Glasgow. You can view my yoga class timetable here.
