|
Flexibility and Yoga
What comes to your mind when you think of Yoga? Stretching,
isn't it? Half of you must have run away from the yoga, with the thought that
your body is unfit, too old or maybe too inflexible to perform Yoga. However,
you will be surprised to know that age plays little or no role in improving
flexibility. You can enhance the flexibility of your body at any time. The
asanas or yoga poses safely stretch the muscles, thereby releasing the lactic
acid that builds up with use. This results in the release of stiffness, tension,
pain, and fatigue from the muscles.
Benefits Of Yoga
Yoga and flexibility go hand in hand. It increases the range of motion in joints
and also the lubrication in the joints. The result is enhanced fluidity
throughout your body and a sense of ease and comfort. Apart from stretching the
muscles, it also stretches the ligaments, tendons and the fascia sheath that
surrounds the muscles. The best part of yoga is that it acts on those joints as
well, that were never really moved, leave alone exercising. It helps get rid of
muscle soreness and promotes faster recovery. Instead of feeling weary or tired
out after performing yogic asanas, a person feels much relaxed and enthusiastic.
Constant practice of Yoga will result in enhanced flexibility. A body part,
which was rigid at the beginning of learning Yoga, would experience a remarkable
flexibility in all parts, with regular practice. If done in a correct form,
Yogic stretching helps develop the entire body. With stretching, the body
develops a sense of harmony and balance. Also, with increased flexibility many
tensions and conflicts are erased on their own. The more flexible a body, the
better it is for that individual as it saves the body from unnecessary torture
and pain.
The pain and stress we feel while stretching are nothing, but blocked, jammed,
misplaced and misused energy. Increased flexibility opens these energy blockages
and releases the energy circulation. Know for sure that neglect is the root
cause of all pains. Problems of toothaches, backaches and headaches are all
symptoms of such neglect or abuse. These need to dealt with rather than ignored.
Remember, the healthier you are, the less concerned you will be with your body,
the liberated will be your mind to rediscover itself. At first, yoga makes you
more sensitive and more conscious of your body; otherwise, due to neglect,
misuse and abuse. However, once you take the first step, of caring for the body,
your awareness as a whole also increases. Our body is just like an instrument,
which keeps us worried, when not running properly. Yoga has that power to set
right, every wrong which confronts our body. Thus, Yoga helps in making the body
more flexible and athletic.
|