Yoga for Stress Relief

The current age of progress and science may also be called the age of tension, age of anxiety and depression, etc. We are obsessed with our bodies, generally with the materialistic aspects of life. The epidemic, tension, anxiety, depression, fear in the mind have a negative effect on our physical health. The body-mind connection in Yoga is a powerful and universal force that exists in our life and often, we are unaware of it. It is the main driver of our health, whether we realize it or not.

Fast foods, counter pills, psychotropic medications, hallucinogenic drugs will not cure our emotional ailments permanently. This is the time for us to make more practical use of our moral and spiritual insights and to pursue “What is good for our health? Or how can we get rid of our mental woes?”

The common causes of any psychosomatic disease include lack of support in the family, hormonal changes in the late decades of life, over-exhaustion, memory loss, lack of self-respect, poor mental status.

People having psychosomatic illness complain of some problems like Headaches, Body aches, frequent maturation and defecation, Insomnia, Excessive perspiration, Vomiting, Loss of appetite, Fatigue, Inability to perform any work efficiently, and autoimmune disorders.

The diseases which affect mankind today have a strong psychological base. We can see persons now a day’s suffering from lots of physical problems like body aches, tremors, ulcers, digestive problems but doesn’t have an organic cause or pathology behind it. These all are due to the altered mental status which further develops as physical troubles.

When the mental factors such as anxiety or stress build up inside a person, it affects his physiological status leading to psychosomatic illness which includes gastrointestinal disturbances, respiratory ailments, cardiovascular problems, genitourinary disorders, endocrine disorders, migraine, integument problems as well as sexual dysfunction.

The intake of psychotropic drugs does not help them in a permanent way until mental agony is relieved.

Yoga is a divine art of healing which unites the psyche with the physique.

”YOGA CHITTI VRITTI NIRODHA”

Yoga is the science which ceases the modifications of the mind disturbing the physical body and helps to maintain the mental and physical rhythm. Therefore, yoga can be employed as the best tool for treating psychosomatic illness permanently in a qualitative way.

It helps in building harmony to maintain mental and physical homeostasis when practiced under expert guidance. It provides permanent relief to the psychosomatics when practiced regularly.

Yoga for stress relief

Yoga is a mind-body ancient science, is considered one of the most holistic and integrative health approaches. Yoga brings together physical and mental disciplines that help achieve peacefulness of body and mind. This helps one relax and manage stress and anxiety through yogic asanas combined with breathing techniques.

Yogic postures are scientifically designed to relieve stress and bring about physical as well as mental and emotional balance. The emotional imbalances can be tackled through yogic postures which require concentration. It tones and strengthens the muscles, relieves the burden over internal organs. It calms down the body, regulates the stress hormones adrenaline and nor-adrenaline. It plays a vital role in the regulation of serotonin and endorphin levels which provides good relaxation to the psychosomatic individuals.

The core components of yoga are:

• Asanas or Postures. Yoga poses, also called postures, are a series of movements combined with breathing techniques designed to increase strength and flexibility. Poses range from simple completely relaxed to difficult postures that may have you stretching your physical limits, depending on the body type.
• Controlling your breathing is an important aspect of yoga and an effective stress buster The controlling of breathing helps control your body and quieten the mind. One of the biggest differences in yoga and exercise is control of breath while doing the yogic postures.
• Meditation or relaxation. In yoga, you may incorporate meditation or subtle body relaxation. The manifold benefits of meditation is widely known. Meditation helps us to be more mindful and aware of the present moment without any judgment.

The potential health benefits of yoga include:

• Stress reduction. Yoga helps reduce stress and anxiety. It can boost your mood and overall sense of well-being.
• Improved fitness. Practicing yoga leads to improved balance, flexibility, range of motion, and strength.
• Management of chronic conditions. Yoga can help reduce risk factors for chronic diseases, such as asthma and high blood pressure. Yoga is a very effective tool to help alleviate chronic conditions, such as depression, pain, anxiety, and insomnia.

Pranayam or breathing technique

Pranayam and other breathing exercises play a vital role in providing relaxation. Breath is also a tool for increasing inner awareness. Just learning to take deep breaths and releasing in a quick way to combat stressful and challenging situations, is amazingly effective.

All these help in taming the “MONKEY MIND”. Just focusing on inhalation and exhalation produces a dramatic effect on the body and provides relaxation.

The pranayam like anulom-vilom(alternate nostril breathing), Chandranadi, Nadishuddi, Sheetkari, Sheetali, Bhramari are effective in psychosomatic illness.

Other Techniques

These include group counseling and group therapies including games and personality improvement programs. It also helps developing social behavior and to cope with the stressors of society.

Contact Jagadguru Kripalu Naturopathy Hospital for lifestyle consultations like diabetes, arthritis, weight-loss, and many more.

by Pragya Sinha