Benefits of Yogic exercises

Harmony is called Yoga - "Samatvam Yoga uchyate" - says Bhagawadgita.   In spite of all scientific developments, man continues to suffer as before, from the begining of the recorded history.  This is all due to dishormany within himself and with the world outside.  Man is nothing but a part of nature.  And nature is constituted and governed by three gunas - Tamas, Rajas and Sattva.  These three gunas exist like three strands of a rope supporting each other. 

Our entire personality is nothing but a combination of Body, Prana and Mind.  All our troubles are due to disharmony among these three - Body, Prana and Mind.  It is this state of disharmony that puts man under the clutches of the three gunas.  A state of harmony frees him from their grip.  Yoga brings about this harmony.  Yoga prescribes Asana (postures),  Pranayama (regulation of breath) and Dhyana ( concentration and meditation).   Asana brings harmony in the body,  Pranayama brings harmony in Prana and Dhyana in the mind.  Now let us see some of the benefits of Yoga Asanas.

Benefits of Yoga Asanas 

Good health is the greatest  asset to all of us.  You can not expect success in any walk of life without good health.   In order to have a good health, there are lot of yoga exercises which move our muscles which results in rapid functioning of heart and lungs.  Some of yogic exercises develop the chest and arms only.

In yogic exercises, there is a harmonious development of all the muscles of our body, internal organs, nerves and the frame.  In yoga, the movements are gentle and rhythematic, hence there is no wastage of energy.    The three important organs i.e. heart, lungs and the brain are kept in a healthy condition by regular practice of few yoga asanas and one or two breathing exercises.  

If the muscles are not given proper exercise, they will try to contract and you can see stiffness and heaviness in your body.  Blood circulation and nerve force will be reduced.  This will disturb the organs.  Some of the yogic exercises concentrate on the development of the muscles along with development of other parts. 

The yogic exercises will prevent diseases attacking our body by maintaining natural health.  Some of the yogic exercises also cure existing diseases like cold, cough, constipation, high BP and gastric troubles.  

Some of the yoga asanas involve the forward and backward movements, others help lateral movement of the spine. some asanas clean the lungs, throat etc.  So the whole body is toned up and strengthened.  Your entire body becomes flexible thereby preventing stagnation of blood in any part of your body. The malfunctioning of Thyroid, Pituitary and Pineal glands is corrected by some of the yogic exercises.  In addition to this,  some of the exercises have great effect on the mind and memory.   The yogic asanas help to improve your health by regulating the functioning of the internal organs.  The regular practice of Yoga asanas brings good health, longevity, strength and vitality to the practitioner.  By practicing the Yoga asanas regularly with care and attention, the personality as a whole becomes pleasing and attractive. 

Some important instructions for Yoga Asanas

There are some 'dos'  and 'don'ts'  which should be adhered strictly in order to get maximum benefit from Yoga  and avoid harmful results.

 

• Generally yoga asanas should be practiced by young people above age of 12 years and not before 12 years of age.  The minimum age limit for certain asanas like Sirshasana and Sarvangasana is higher.
• Practice of Yoga Asanas for curing diseases should be done under supervision of an experienced instructor.
• The persons suffering from eye diseases, running ears and heart troubles should not practice yoga asanas.   But they can practice relaxation in Savasana which is beneficial to them
• You should get up early in the morning at 4 or 4.30 AM.  If you feel sleepy, practice standing postures and four to six surya namaskaras.  Then answer the calls of nature and wash your face.
• If you are not in the habit of answering natural calls in early morning,  then you can practice the asanas without answering the calls of nature. After finishing the yoga asanas, Pranayama and Meditation,  you can go to lavotary.
• Take bath in luke warm water or cold water according to your capacity.
• Spread a folded blanket on the floor and practice yoga asanas on the blanket.
• Please do not wear spectacles or loose ornaments when you perform yoga asanas.  They may get damaged and also cause injuries.
• Asanas should be performed on empty stomach in morning hours or at least 3 to 4 hours after food.  There should be half an hour gap after you perform asanas and before taking bath or heavy tiffin. 
• You can practice each asana for few seconds in beginning and gradually increase the duration of the time.  There should not be any jerks or rapid movements of the body.
• After the practice of asanas and pranayamam,  you must sit in a comfortable posture and practice meditation atleast for 10 to 30 minutes.
• If it is not possible to practice asanas in the morning,  you can do standing postures and surya namaskaras followed by savasana.  The remaining asanas and pranayama can be done in the evening times.
•  Before practicing Sirshasana and also pranayama,  see that your body and mind are calm, and un disturbed.  If you are tired or mentally disturbed then relax in savasana for 10 minutes and then start the practice.
• Asanas should be practiced in well ventilated room where there is clean air and free movement of fresh air.  The floor must be even.  In cold places, you can practice in closed rooms.  
• If you stop praacticing yoga asanas due to any reason, there is no need to worry.  You can again start practice after some time.
• Regularity is very important if you want to derive full benefits of yoga quickly.