Yoga's benefits extend beyond the physical

By Jennifer Reading

Yoga has been around for thousands of years, but it seems to have new-found popularity among young people. The National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine (NCCAM) reports that yoga is one of the top ten alternative therapies used by Americans.

Experts say the benefits of this ancient mind-body practice extend beyond the physical. Yoga is an effective method for managing stress, improving self-discipline and developing confidence.

Stress can cause many physical symptoms like headaches, digestion problems, insomnia and aches and pains. But Peentz Dubble, an Iyengar yoga instructor, said yoga has the potential to alleviate many of these symptoms.

"When someone comes to a yoga class on a regular basis and begins to move through the poses, it creates circulation and cleansing within the body that is very helpful in relieving some of these symptoms of stress," Dubble said.

Nikki Burns has been practicing Kundalini yoga for nine years and says she can't imagine where she would be without it.

"I do it for relaxation," said Burns, "Within seconds I can feel it clear my mind."

But Dubble warned that it takes discipline and young people have to make yoga a priority in their lives if they want to experience these kinds of results.

"When yoga is done systematically over a period of time it can really address some of these issues. But it isn't like taking a pill and you're better the next day," she said.

Instead, she recommends taking a yoga class at least once a week but says there are ways to incorporate yoga into even the busiest lives.

"I try to encourage my students to practice at home. I always think ten or fifteen minutes a day is much better than two or three hours once a week," she said.

Burns manages to squeeze in one class a week. She admits that it takes discipline to find the motivation practice at home, but she's always grateful after she's pushed herself to do it.

"At the end of the day even if I am physically exhausted, I get on the floor and start the set," said Burns, "Within minutes I am energized and so happy I made the decision to practice."

Category:

News & Politics

Tags:

• YogaPKG720x405mp4

[jaayjaayy]

its a good thing i can read lips...

[starrseven]

honorablegenius: yes