What’s really happening when we practice yoga? Part II

BY: TRISHA CURLING 

Let’s get deeper into that long answer that I started in the previous article. The benefits of yoga on the muscles, bones, connective tissue and the nervous system are undeniable. But as I mentioned, we are still only skimming the surface of a very complex system called the human body. 

The immune system in our bodies functions to maintain health by defending us from foreign substances. As we know, the body’s systems do not work in isolation. The nervous, endocrine, and immune systems work together to communicate with one another, therefore creating benefits on many levels. When we practice asana (yoga poses) we are improving our blood circulation. Due to the fact that we are stretching, strengthening and contracting muscles as we transition and hold various poses. The contraction of muscles increases the availability of white blood cells and removal of toxins from the bloodstream. 

Practicing asana contributes to the reduction of stress hormones, the release of toxins from various places in the body and boosts time spent in parasympathetic mode, rather than the chronic sympathetic mode, therefore boosting immunity. Our bodies are then much more equipped to fight things like illness and/or infection. It doesn’t mean that we never get sick, but if we do, we have a better chance of healing a lot sooner.

Many of us come to yoga for the respiratory benefits, which can arguably be the core benefit that creates a domino effect of benefits for all other areas of the body/mind/spirit.  In order to create energy, the cells in our bodies require oxygen. When we practice yoga there is a large focus and/or emphasis on the breath. This is what helps us to become more present. It also helps us to both hold and transition to different poses safely. We learn how to deepen the breath, access the parasympathetic nervous system, and increase lung capacity. In a sense, we are exercising our internal organs. 

When we access the breath, we are increasing the oxygenation of the blood, therefore allowing our cells to create the energy needed by the cells receiving the appropriate nutrients. As mentioned, taking the time for deeper more intentional breaths allows us to work the lung tissues in a way that boosts their elasticity and strength. 

Our breath is our source of life, and just like we work our external bodies, our internal bodies need the utmost attention in order to provide us with the true sense of health we desire. The breath is something we have easy access to without movement, we do not need to practice asana to begin to create a positive influence on our respiratory system.

Yoga continues to show up in a way that is more than fancy, funky poses that appear to be unattainable. The breath, simple subtle poses can have an incredible effect on both our internal and external bodies. Allowing ourselves to come to our practice with an open mind and gentle mind will allow us to create the changes we need on a daily basis. If we are already practicing, it is helping us to sustain and strengthen the many systems in our bodies. 

Take the time, create an intention, and enjoy the benefits that are happening to your individual body/mind/spirit when you practice….Namaste