Proper Exercise (Asana)

Are you doing exercises regularly but don’t feel fresh; instead you feel exhausted and could not sleep? Are you a six pack type but still suffer from the pains here and there? Are you trying to lose weight by exercises, yet the yo-yo effect destroys everything?

There are numerous modern physical culture systems designed to build a fashionable trendy body or develop the muscles through mechanical movements and exercises. However, the body with big muscles or trendy figure does not necessarily mean good health. Health is a state wherein all organs function perfectly under the intelligent control of the mind. Yogic physical exercise is called “asana”, a term which means “steady pose”. Asanas or postures are based on the simple principles of stretching, bending, rotating, and relaxing. These movements have diverse effects on the body systems and will either heal, stimulate, or seal off specific parts of the body.

Initially, the concern is simply to increase body flexibility. The body is as young as it is flexible. Yoga postures focus first on the health of the spine, its strength and flexibility. The spinal column houses the all-important nervous system - the telegraphic system of the body. By maintaining the spine’s flexibility and strength through exercise, circulation is increased and the nerves are ensured their supply of nutrients and oxygen. The joints, tendons, ligaments, and muscles are strengthened and toned. Asanas fine-tune the internal machinery of the body - the glands and organs too. In addition, they effect the deeper and more subtle parts of the body. The internal organs receive massage and stimulation through the various movements of asanas, and are toned into more efficient functioning. The endocrine system is rejuvenated, helping to balance the emotions and improve the mental outlook of life. Toxins, impurities, and excessive fat are eliminated. Appetite is tuned to moderation and not excessive. These result in weight loss, beautiful body, and radiant skin.

Hand in hand with the practice of yoga postures, deep breathing and concentration of the mind are also incorporated in the rhythm of practice. One hour of practice will give a) one hour of exercise, b) one hour of deep relaxation, c) one hour of meditation through developing the concentration powers within the pose. Yoga asanas listen to and treat the body with love and compassion. No rush. No torture. No extremity. Success is not measured by an achievement of difficult acrobatic postures, but a harmony of – your body, your mind, and your soul. The yoga system of exercise can be compared to no other in its complete overhaul of the entire being. Performed slowly and consciously, the asanas go far beyond mere physical benefits, becoming mental exercises in concentration and meditation. Feeling of light, relaxed, revitalizing body and mind are experienced after each practice session. Once one experiences the comfort of body and mind, the life outlook will change. All the clouds that blind will dissipate and the intellect will shine.

Many of my students practice yoga for its therapeutic benefits, especially those who suffer from the stress and NCDs (non-communicable diseases) such as office syndrome, back pain, shoulder and neck pains, high blood pressure, diabetes, obesity, migraines, depression, insomnia, stress, some digestive problems and constipation, some eye-sight problems caused by refractive errors. Visiting a doctor and receiving a medication may accelerate the healing process, but is not a cure in itself. Asana sequence in combination with breathing and meditation works on various systems of the body, whether respiratory, circulatory, digestive, hormonal, immune, and reproductive. Asanas are taught according to the body ability. It is an effective tool for therapy as well as prevention. The belief underlying yoga is to enable the human system to function as efficiently, effectively, and naturally as it can and the mind returns to its original state of stillness with no wandering thoughts. The aim is not simply to cure the specific symptom, but to target the cause. For a normal health person, it is an effective empowerment tool to strengthen the body system and stamina, as well as to sharpen the mental capability.

It’s time to understand how the body and mind work and be responsive to their natural systems.