Sanjeev PatelBy Sanjeev Patel, CYT 500

To regulate Yogic methods and philosophy is ludicrous. Can a government regulate Bhakti? Can a registry company truly understand all forms of Yogic methodology? Within each Yoga teacher training intensive is a unique flavor. The emphasis will be different, based on the priorities of the master teacher trainer.

Let’s say, you wanted to control one part of the Hatha style. Some people think asana is everything, but it is actually a small part of the entire Hatha experience.  Yoga is a holistic science, which has been practiced for three to five thousand years. There is some debate as to exactly when Yogic methods started, but there is no doubt that the ancient masters (Yogis) realized their Yogic system would constantly evolve. All forms of Yoga aim to unite the mind, the body and the spirit. Yogic and holistic health are very closely related. Yoga improves and attains physical, emotional, spiritual, and mental health.

Practicing Hatha Yoga, in particular, improves the suppleness of the spine and joints, stimulates the glands, relaxes the nerves, and improves digestive powers of the body. Inverted postures, twists, forward folds, and backward bends squeeze and massage certain glands. This improves their overall functions. Forward bends are effective in stimulating blood flow to the pelvic organs and standing postures support proper skeletal growth and maintenance.

Asanas or postures may seem to be static externally. Asanas are full of dynamic action internally and within themselves. A full range of movements in every possible direction are performed while practicing asana. To obtain this level of skill requires study, practice, guidance, and as Paulji would say, “practice some more.” When an asana is correctly and attentively performed, no portion of the body or the mind is left untouched.

Substantial medical and scientific research has been conducted to look at the benefits of Hatha from practices of postures, breathing and meditation. The benefits of regular Hatha Yoga practice are categorized into the following three groups – physiological, psychological, and biochemical.  Below is an itemized breakdown of each category.

Physiological Benefits of Hatha Yoga Practice

1) Improve posture

2) Improve eye-hand co-ordination

3) Increase the musculoskeletal flexibility and joint range of motion

4) Increase strength and resiliency

5) Increase energy level

6) Normalize weight

7) Improve steadiness and balance

8. Improve integrated functioning of body parts

9) Increase respiratory efficiency

10) Normalize blood pressure and pulse rate

11) Increase cardiovascular efficiency

12) Stabilize autonomic nervous system in equilibrium

13) Normalize gastrointestinal function

14) Normalize endocrine function

15) Improve excretory functions

16) Improve immunity system

17) Improve sleep

18) Ease back pain

Psychological Benefits of Yoga

1) Reduce anxiety and depression

2) Ease stress

3) Increase self –acceptance and self- actualization

4) Increase social adjustment and social skills

5) Improve concentration and attention

6) Improve memory

7) Improve learning efficiency

8. Increase well being

Biochemical Benefits of Yoga

1) Increase HDL cholesterol

2) Reduce LDL cholesterol

3) Reduce Triglycerides

4) Increase hemoglobin

5) Decrease total white blood cell count

Overall, Hatha improves the complete well-being of all humans, regardless of age, gender, or ethnic heritage. Any organization, company, or government that wishes to control Yoga can be assured that they do not understand this sacred practice. To those who wish to regulate and control what they do not truly understand is completely ridiculous.

Hari Om Tat Sat

© Copyright 2011 – Sanjeev Patel / Aura Wellness Center – Publications Division

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