Practicing Yoga Can Help Your Mind and Heal Your Body

A good exercise regimen helps to keep the body in shape, but with most routines, the focus is primarily on improving physical strength and endurance. However, in the practice of yoga, the physical is just a part of the overall exercise.

“Yoga is translated from Sanskrit as a ‘yoking together,’ or bringing together,” Sharon McClurg, a yoga instructor at The Villages Wellness Center, said. “Yoga is, first of all, a practice of moving meditation. It brings together mind, body and breath.”

Yoga is an ancient system mixing physical exercises and postures called asanas with breathing practices called pranayama, as well as meditation.

Yoga postures are designed to tone and strengthen while creating flexibility and promoting blood flow in the body. Breathing and meditation are used to quiet, clarify and relax the mind and body.

Uses for yoga

McClurg has practiced yoga for much of her life, and she has been an instructor at the Wellness Center for three years. She said there are many reasons for people to try yoga, including improving balance, flexibility or even preventing injury during sports activities. (More)

Source: The Villages Daily Sun