Yoga has long been believed to be the most comprehensive
whole body fitness regime around. But it is the beneficial side effects that
are of real value to the individual. Practicing yoga tones the body, stimulates
the nervous system to work more effectively, aids digestion and increases
flexibility. However it also works on a deeper level by creating a new
mindfulness that leaves the individual feeling calm, relaxed and more at ease.
Society today is very different from 100 years ago. Modern
technology, poor dietary and fitness habits coupled with a fast paced lifestyle
can take a toll on the human body. What is not commonly realised is that stress
can affect your body in many different areas, causing conditions that may be
seen as usual or normal but are in fact directly related to how your body
handles pressure.
There are several hormones and chemicals within the body that
are linked to stress. Most of these originate from one area- the adrenal gland.
The most important and well known hormone is cortisol. This hormone can alter
the immune system’s response and also suppress the digestive tract, normal
growth processes and the entire reproductive system.
Another familiar hormone is adrenalin. Most people go to great lengths and spend large amounts
of money to experience the rush they feel as it is released into the
bloodstream. This increase in heart rate
and energy also temporarily cuts off blood supply to your skin and increases
your blood pressure. Other hormones like aldosterone are affected by stress. When
aldosterone is over stimulated it can result in edema which is swelling due to
fluid retention. This can occur over many parts of the body but most commonly
will be experienced in the limbs.
Stress
can also lead to emotional and mental issues. It will negatively impact one’s
emotions and can lead to depression and other mental imbalances. It has been
shown to cause moodiness, irritability and general unhappiness. Those that
experience high stress levels often report feeling overwhelmed, lonely and isolated
as well as unable to physically relax. This can lead to insomnia and a complete
body crisis.
It
has been seen to cause several issues within the body’s reproductive system,
reducing sperm count, ovulation and even sexual desire. Other physical symptoms
of stress can manifest as skin issues, general aches and pains, nausea,
dizziness and a compromised immune system. As the body is under barrage from
stress a person may experience the side effects from this in a domino effect
resulting in problems with memory, concentration and judgement and constant
‘monkey mind’ where anxious thought patterns never cease and leave the
individual seeing and feeling only the negative aspects within and without
himself. Many people will experience the same behavioural symptoms. Some of
these are common and widely recognised like eating and sleeping issues and
self-induced insolation.
The
causes of stress are many and may vary from one individual to another. This is
because people cope with different situations with varying levels of ability.
What may stress one person may not stress another. Externally stress may result
from work issues, a challenging financial situation, family or other
relationship conflicts. It may be a combination of some of these. Many people
find the greatest cause of stress is that there is too much to do in too little
time. However some people stress due to internal conflict. This is any
situation that deals with how an individual feels about himself and his ability
to cope in certain situations.
The longer an individual endures
a stressful life, the more problems that will arise physically and emotionally.
High blood pressure, a suppressed immune system and the inability to cope
mentally will soon leave the individual feeling ill and depressed. In order to
cope with both the causes and effects of stress an individual must develop
techniques to relax. Yoga is a comprehensive mind, body and soul workout. It is
almost impossible to not activate the body’s relaxation response during a yoga
session. This was proven recently at an Australian university where after a six
week study, participants who undertook a yoga program that consisted of
pranayama, asanas and yoga nidra were found to have lower levels of depression,
anxiety and stress. Those in the control group that did not practice yoga
showed no change. Those who did practice also reported higher levels of growth
in their spiritual experience.
Practicing yoga gives your body a
designated time to relax in what can often be a hectic life. It improves muscle
strength as well as blood circulation which in turn works to detoxify the
body’s major organs. The calming effect brought on by deep breathing and the
meditative state often experienced throughout and almost always at the end of a
yogic session stabilises the autonomic nervous system which works to bring
about more balance within the body. Not only will yoga work to balance the body
and combat the effects of stress but it may also expand the individual’s
consciousness allowing them to see where they can prevent further stress within
their life.
There are many asanas that can be
used to combat stress. Some, like the bridge pose or Setu Bandhasana, improve
circulation and work to calm the brain and central nervous system. It is a
rejuvenating pose that relieves anxiety and stimulates and clears the mind
which is very therapeutic for those feeling overwhelmed and under prepared for
what life may throw at them. The bridge pose is also handy for dealing with the
symptoms directly related to stress. It works to aid digestion, strengthen the
back and reduce aches and pains throughout the body by stretching the spine. By
working to relax the individual this pose can relieve insomnia, anxiety and
fatigue.
The full boat pose, or Paripuna Navasana,
works in much the same manner as the bridge asana. By stimulating the organs
and strengthening and stretching the spine and hips, this pose supports stress
relief as well as improving the sense of balance. Another asana that focuses on
healthy balance is the extended triangle pose or Utthita Trikonasana. By
opening up the chest and shoulder area it works to release pent up emotions and
relieves backache and shoulder stiffness. This can help as stress can lead to
tight, taut and painful muscle tension.
While many asanas work to relieve
the symptoms of stress as well as focus and clear the mind it is important to
realise that yoga is a whole system that benefits the whole physical, mental
and spiritual aspects of an individual. This is especially seen in the practice
of pranayama and meditation. Mindful breathing and thought release are both
important aspects of yoga that help to calm, relax and relieve mental stress.
Asanas focus on improving respiration, the individual’s level of fitness and sense
of balance. They can help relieve pain and create a stronger body. Yet the body
is only a vehicle for the mind and soul. It must be tuned but it is not all
there is to the individual.
Mentally, yoga works on helping
the individual to relax, using breathing techniques to effectively quiet the
mind and bring the focus to holding an asana, not worrying over anything else
but the pose and the execution of it. So mindfully yoga teaches one to focus
positive energy. Becoming more mindful of situations gives an individual the
ability to choose how he or she may perceive a stressful situation. On one
hand, it may be something to become anxious over, on the other it may be seen
as an opportunity to grow and learn.
By focusing on the internal
struggle and becoming more aware of the body, it’s feelings and responses to
certain situations an individual can discover not only how to combat the
effects of stress but how to avoid stress and see it as an opportunity for
personal growth. This is the spiritual side of yoga. Practicing yoga has been
said to promote interdependence between the mind, body and spirit. This of
course is related to the whole oneness theory.
Besides the physical, mental and
spiritual benefits of Yoga espoused by Yoga practitioners and devotees Western
medicine is now jumping on the bandwagon. With many studies now coming to
light, like the recent Deakin University Study conducted in Melbourne,
Australia, doctors are now referring patients in need of lifestyle changes to
local Yoga studios in the hope that Yoga, not pharmaceutical drugs, can assist
them in relieving the symptoms of stress. Many parents are also now advocating
the practice for their children, where it has been introduced into many schools
as a sporting activity and to help children learn to focus and calm their minds
prior to exams and other stressful situations.
Yoga has many documented benefits
and of the many, stress relief seems almost the least important. And yet, it is
the reason so many people turn to Yoga. It provides that individual time set
aside just for them to turn off their minds and concentrate purely on
themselves and the practice. In today’s busy world, the ability to completely
focus and just breathe is one that must be recommended for all. It is within
this unity that peace lies.
References:
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"Doctor Says Yoga May Be Prescription For Better
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"Europe PubMed Central." Role of Yoga in Stress Management. N.p., n.d. Web. 11 Apr. 2013.
"Stress Symptoms, Signs and Causes." Stress Symptoms, Signs & Causes:
Effects of Stress Overload. N.p., n.d. Web. 7 Sept. 2012.
"Study: Yoga Helps Prevent Stress, Depression, and
Anxiety." Resources for
Yoga Therapy, Ayurveda, and Natural Remedies. N.p., n.d. Web. 11 Apr. 2013.
"Surprising Ways Stress Affects Your Whole Body." Fox News. FOX News Network, 11
Oct. 2012. Web. 11 Apr. 2013.