You've experienced it: you leave a yoga class and feel good, in a state that's even new to you. So you wonder, what magic yoga has to offer that makes you feel that way? Today, at Sincronia Yoga, we explain the benefits of yoga: what they don't tell you and why it works.
Innovation and expansion of yoga
The Indus Valley Civilization was a land rich in Eastern philosophical systems, just as Greece was for Europe and Western systems. Within this richness, there is evidence that yoga emerged around 5000 BC.
The innovation that yoga presented compared to other systems was the incorporation of the physical body to philosophical practice. The body as a vehicle for reaching the meditative state. It seems like a simple change, but it's part of an understanding of reality, where there is not only that which is elevated and permanent (in any form, such as the soul, the higher self, God, the spirit, or the energy of the universe), but also the body and mind, which are part of this physical, changing, and illusory dimension and hold the key to accessing the former.
When the English colonized India and introduced British customs (clothing, technology, military training, language, etc.), a surge of national pride erupted in India, prompting them to reclaim their own ancient roots and practices. Thus, the English not only brought back tea and spices, but also introduced them to yoga and its philosophy, which focuses on the body as its pivotal axis.
The cult of the body in Western philosophy, a healthy mind in a healthy body, did the rest. Yoga began its worldwide expansion until today where Yoga practices have diversified and multiplied exponentially, although they retain the initial objective of change the state of mind through practice.
Even then, and even now, yoga practitioners feel that there is something more to yoga, that it is not just a series of trendy movements and exercises, but that yoga offers something more intangible, which is its true essence.
So why does it work? What aren't you told about yoga and its benefits?
Benefits of yoga
The benefits of yoga are numerous and are revealed as we deepen our practice. According to yoga, we are much more than a physical or fleshly body. We are made up of layers, koshas or sheaths: the physical body, the subtle body (formed by the energetic or pranic, mental and emotional body) and the causal body (spiritual or ultimate).
Each sheath relates to the others and influences our overall "state." Thus, the work of each body will influence the next, making yoga a holistic practice that benefits all aspects of our being.
This is “bring to the body", to understand from the body, or to start with the body, what makes yoga work and provide these benefits. Let's look at them in detail.
The physical benefits of yoga
Structural
Yoga is a gentle physical activity that involves movement in all directions. This activity produces a compensatory effect and gradually restores mobility, function, and stability to the body's structures.
This effect includes: joint mobilization, muscle activation; release of tension, muscle contractions, and blockages; recovery of function; bone strengthening, etc.
Functional and internal
All internal systems benefit from the practice. Activating the parasympathetic system and regulating the relationship between action and rest produces a knock-on effect for all internal systems and organs.
This effect or benefit of yoga includes: regulation of blood circulation and heart rate, improved digestion and bowel regularity, improvements in hormonal balance, increased available vital energy, etc.
Body awareness
The most notable benefit of yoga practice is the body awareness the practitioner acquires. Strength, balance, proprioception, and improved posture and physical behavior. Gradually, awareness of the body's limits, its functions, and its state becomes present as the yogi focuses their attention inward.
The energetic benefits of yoga
Breathing
As the practice progresses, respiratory improvement occurs as a result of the regulation of the nervous system, internal processes and body awareness.
This beneficial effect includes: diaphragmatic opening, experiencing and regulating the natural movement of breathing, visceral massage through broad and slow breathing movements, gaining lung capacity and respiratory self-regulation, etc.
Vital energy
Consequently, the practitioner increases his or her vital energy or prana, since according to yoga, this is obtained through breathing, healthy eating, and the sun.
This benefit of yoga includes: activation of the body's energy channels; expansion, recognition and experience of the chakras or energy vortices, energy and vital recharge, regeneration and air change, etc.
Energy awareness
In the same way that the practitioner gains awareness of their physical body, they will awaken their energetic awareness. Small sensations of movement, fluidity, and field, accompanied by colors, images, and smells. We enter one way and exit another, and it's not just a physical or mental sensation; we feel more vital and renewed.
The mental and emotional benefits of yoga
Mental clarity
Something as complex and vital as learn to be present will lead us to the greatest psychological benefit of yoga: calming the mind.
This effect or benefit translates into: greater ability to focus, observe thoughts without getting involved, being present, stress reduction and hormonal compensation, peace of mind and spirit, etc.
Emotional serenity
Emotions exist and have a purpose: to move us forward, protect us, or connect with others. Whether positive or negative, they must have a space and time to be managed.
This beneficial effect provides us with: calm and drama-free emotional release, removal of stagnant blockages, facilitation of natural emotional healing processes in the face of grief or traumatic situations, discovery of a safe space within ourselves, inner peace even in the most utter chaos, etc.
Witness consciousness
Once again, consciousness will be present, in this case the witness consciousness, the observer behind the thoughts. We learn to distance ourselves from emotions, thoughts, and our mental state. We learn to observe from the sidelines and become observers or witnesses of what happens inside and outside our minds without judging.
The spiritual benefits of yoga
At this point, the benefits of yoga on a spiritual level can only be answered by oneself. That approach to the heart, to the understanding of who we are, which gives meaning to our lives and the awakening of compassion towards oneself and others.
Yoga is a spiritual path, a path to understanding reality, and, as we began the article, a philosophical path. Spiritual motivation is by no means the most expected when we begin yoga. One approaches yoga because his back hurts, is stressed at work or because a friend recommended it to you.
But in yoga, especially in meditation, silence and inner work, sooner or later you find yourself.
Now I just have to invite you once again to experience the many benefits of regular and conscious yoga practice by Sincronia Yoga.
Article written by Sílvia Gallego
Yoga teacher and writer
