Yoga for flexibility
Every form of yoga deals with stretching the body and the muscles and as such helps in bringing about flexibility in the individual. Yoga is replete with a number of stretching techniques that only stretches the muscles, but also the joints. To begin with, Hatha yoga is a simpler and gentler form of yoga therapy. For beginners, it is an ideal way to lead the body to stretch and tone its muscles. Hatha yoga comprises two basic elements — asanas or yoga postures and breathing techniques. The skilful and effective interaction of the mind, body and breathing through the practice of Hatha yoga can alter and modify physiological, psychological and spiritual welfare.
In a typical Hatha yoga session, there are approximately 10 to 30 postures or yoga asanas. The poses in yoga can range from the basic corpse pose to the more difficult ones that take a number of months to master, as your flexibility and stretching improves. Breathing techniques are an important element in the practice of yoga. In yoga, the breath stands for the vital energy that flows in your body. According to yoga the control of breath or adopting the correct breathing techniques can help in taking charge of your mental being and eliminating negative thoughts and emotions.
Through the practice of Hatha yoga, one can effectively learn to correct and control the breathing patterns by being consciously aware of the situation. Breathing techniques include paying close attention to your breathing as the breath moves into the body and fills the respiratory system. Alternate breathing through one nostril is also effective in expanding and filling the lungs to its capacity.
As you start to gain knowledge or skills in practice and refine on new yoga positions — such as stretching to touch your toes — you will be amazed to discover that each time you perform the yoga asana; you are able to stretch even farther. As you increase your range of yoga movements and motions you are less likely to hurt yourself in other physical activities that would otherwise have been injurious to you. Yoga, on the whole is generally thought to be extremely safe. However, there are certain medical situations that may put you at a risk in practicing yoga. You will need to check with your health care provider before commencing on a new yoga plan. Health conditions, such as problems of the joints or a chronic medical condition of lower back and neck pain need strict and careful guidance in practicing yoga.
