The Benefits Of Yoga By Carolyn Weatherson

"After having read these books and attended Dr. Long's workshops, I am convinced that these two books are an invaluable resource for both teachers and students." Carolyn Weatherson, Maha Pura Yoga

The Benefits Of Yoga

Scroll down for a list of common ailments and how to treat them

by Carolyn Weatherson

I have found Yoga to be enormously beneficial. It is unique in that you strengthen, tone and shape all the muscles of your body, relax and rejuvenate your mind and uplift your spirit. Dormant muscles that may never have been strengthened are brought to life again from your toes all the way up. Our muscles are designed to work together, and occasionally in tandem. If the focus is mainly on thighs, abs, buns, and biceps there is a potential for excessive tightness and injury. Commonly, in the back and around weak joints. Lengthening your muscles while you strengthen them will increase your range of motion, relieve tension and stiffness, and give you greater strength potential. A longer muscle is a bigger muscle. This will benefit you greatly in all your other sport and recreational activities. Of course, muscle burns calories much faster than fat! Many people are initially surprised that they received such a fantastic all over benefit. The world's best coaches from football, soccer, hockey, tennis, golf etc. are finding Yoga to be an essential element to keep their athletes in the best possible shape and increase their range of motion.

A good instructor will give you detailed alignment instructions to insure that you are not putting stress on your joints. You will develop an acute awareness of your body and improve your posture. You will find relief for many common ailments (see below). Make sure you let me know if you need extra help in any of these areas so I can lead you along the most beneficial path. Yoga is known to stimulate the glands and organs of the body. As body parts press against the floor, or one another, it creates a massaging effect. This leads to increased circulation, detoxification, rejuvenation and tension release in the glands and organs. The deep Yogic breathing improves pulmonary function and strength. As you lengthen your muscles, your nerves, arteries, veins and lymphatic vessels also stretch, making them more supple and resilient. Therefore, they will be better able to: relay liquid information in the case of the neuro-transmitters in the nervous system, relay liquid nourishment and detoxify in the case of blood in the veins and arteries and lymph in the lymphatic system.

The word Yoga means "to unite". Yoga strives to unite the mind, body and soul. When you focus on your breathing, slow it down and move in and out of postures to the rhythm of your breath you will profoundly relax your mind. Because Yoga directs you to maintain focused concentration on your breathing you will in fact be involved in a form of meditation during the class. The benefits of this are enormous! Not only for stress relief but also for improving your memory, focus, and ability to concentrate. Because your mind will be quiet, a sense of calm and wellbeing will filter in. It is in this state that you can connect to your true self. It is in this state that you have room for joy. This will leak into your daily life and create wonderful ripple effects that you never imagined!

My style is based on the science behind the workings of our bodies as well as traditional wisdom. There will be no incense or scented candles as I am part of the 20% of the population that is sensitive to these subtle pollutants. I strive to create an enjoyable, non-competitive atmosphere for the men and women of all ages and fitness levels who attend my classes. You do not need to be flexible to be good at Yoga. You are going to love the way you feel after one of my classes!

Back Pain/Sciatica

Piriformis Syndrome

Insomnia

Stress Relief

Infertility

Tension Headache Relief

Helps Relieve Anxiety and Panic Attacks

Weight Management

Fibromyalgia

Irritable Bowel

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