It is rather amazing to see the amount of books, articles, and other publications on yoga.

Each one pertains to its own subject within the world of yoga:
depression
pregnancy
teens
seniors
menopause
weight loss
cancer patients
abs, to name just a few.

The list seems nearly endless. Whatever you are looking for, I’m pretty sure it can be found. How does yoga work? Let me give you one way of looking at it.

1. In Hatha yoga (based on Iyengar) the work in the poses (asanas) is directed toward correct alignment of the bones. Each person comes with one or more biases of their body to the mat. There is no such thing as the “perfect” pose. The emphasis in yoga lies on working in the direction of alignment.

2. If the bones are organized the way our skeleton is meant to be, then the team play of our muscles is able to come into balance. When muscles neither under-work nor strain, the muscles are relaxed. Most of us recognize gripping of the muscles along the back, but what is less obvious, is the tension in the mouth/throat and belly.

3. When the muscles in our body release tension, the breath is affected, too. It deepens and slows down, affecting body and mind.

4. As the breath relaxes, so does our mind. It can be more calm, yet alert and focused.

5. With body and mind in better alignment (more balanced), we simply feel better.

The more-obvious effects are easier to explain and measure. Other effects are more subtle. These are more difficult to grasp and haven’t been explored in studies as much, e.g. exactly how the nervous system or hormones are affected by yoga.

Nevertheless, a good portion of the publications are “life stories” about healing on a physical, as well as on a mental, level: stories of real people with real physical and mental conditions. Yoga is a balm for human ills.

Here is what yoga can do for you. There are many different styles of Hatha yoga that all have benefits in common such as:
- reduced stress - better toned muscles
- better concentration - stronger body
- less tension - better sleep
- improved body balance - increased stamina
- increased flexibility - overall well-being
- improved body awareness

I leave you with feedback from members of the Morrison community who participate in a local yoga class.

“It (yoga) has helped me manage work-related stress. I feel more calm. I love feeling “stretched out” and completely relaxed after a session. It has made me more aware of the importance of the breath.”

“I think it helps my body stay more flexible. And the “just keep breathing” makes me more able to relax. I’m more conscious of standing tall and sitting taller.”

Would you like to know more about Hatha yoga? Your questions are welcome! And by the way, there are no “dumb” questions. I will try to answer them to the best of my abilities.

Email your questions to webmaster@thecity1.com with Yoga ? in the subject line.

Enjoy the holidays!

This is Martina Maxfield, certified Hatha yoga instructor, living and teaching yoga in Morrison, IL.

Martina Maxfield