Benefits of Practicing Yoga

Yoga means "union" in Sanskrit, the language of India where yoga originated. It's the union between the mind, body and spirit. The most common form is Hatha yoga, which includes postures (asanas) and various breathing techniques (pranayama).

Below are basic Hatha yoga postures, including pictures, and their benefits & cautions.

Upward Facing Dog (Urdhva Mukha Svanasana)

Benefits: Stimulates abdomen; strengthens spine, wrists & arms; stretches lungs, shoulders & abdomen

Cautions: back injury, carpal tunnel syndrome, headache, pregnancy

Downward Facing Dog (Adho Mukha Svanasana)

Benefits: Energizes the body; improves digestion; relieves headache, insomnia, back pain & fatigue; strengthens the arms & legs; relieves stress; stretches the calves, arches, hands, shoulders & hamstrings

Cautions: Carpal tunnel syndrome, pregnancy (do not do this in your later terms), high blood pressure, headache

Warrior II (Virabhadrasana II)

Benefits: Increases stamina; stimulates abdominal organs; strengthens & stretches legs and ankles; stretches groin, chest, lungs & shoulders; relieves backaches, especially through second trimester of pregnancy

Cautions: neck problems, high blood pressure

Triangle Pose (Utthita Trikonasana)

Benefits: Stretches thighs, knees, ankles, hips, hamstrings, calves, shoulders, chest & spine; helps relieve stress; improves digestion; relieves backache; stimulates abdominal organs

Cautions: Headache, low & high blood pressure, heart condition; neck problems

[1] The therapeutic applications and cautions (www.yogajournal.com)

Benefits of Yoga:

* Enhances posture & muscle tone
* Improves blood circulation
* Strengthens immune system
* Relieves stress and enhances powers of relaxation
* Boosts physical strength, stamina and flexibility
* Helps rehabilitation of old and new injuries
* Cleanses and improves overall organ functioning
* Infuses a sense of balance and internal harmony

What Yoga Class Should I Start With? Click Here for a description of different yoga styles.