The benefits of yoga can help anyone reduce stress, increase flexibility, lubricate your joints, strengthen you immune system and increase spine flexion. Yoga has grown in popularity in recent years and continues to increase in mainstream America.

Yoga is a method of joining yourself to the universal spirit or divine. Physical and mental exercises play a key roll to achieve this illumination. On the physical realm, yoga postures, called asanas are intended to strengthen, tone and increase flexibility. They also increase blood flow to the organs and tissues promoting strong healthy bodies. On the mental side, breathing techniques call pranayama (vital life force) quiets the mind and brings peace and tranquility to our body. Some will argue that yoga is a religion but what they truly do not understand is yoga is a way of living with peace and harmony.

Why is breath so important in yoga? Breathing is essential in providing oxygen to our extremities, muscles and tissues. The amount of oxygen we require changes based upon our activity level. When we exercise our requirement for oxygen is increased and when we are relaxed the amount decreases and we breathe more deeply. In the same way, mental activity also affects our breathing.

If we focus on our breath while performing asanas (yoga postures) it assists in controlling the movements. It is recommended to breathe with awareness on your inhalations and exhalations while breathing only through your nose. This effort keeps you focused and can produce positive affirmations.

Every yoga session should produce positive results. It could be an increase in mental awareness or a physical improvement. The breath and movement during yoga will affect every part of your body. The long deep inhalations should be incorporated thoughout your day when emotional disruptions occurs. The energy flow through breath will release the tension and allow positive energy to flow.

As you begin practicing yoga, you begin to manifest positive energy. You have more patience and a true sense of serenity. This feeling begins to penetrate every aspect of your life and its deeply rooted in your self conscious. It is not forced and there is no motive or judgment. Your self confidence improves and gives true meaning and motivation in your life. The key in all of our lives is to find peace and align ourselves with the universal spirit. The path is not always easy but we must enjoy the journey as we move forward.

Yoga has the power to discover who we really are. It will bring out truths, the hurts, and transform you as a person. Yoga can be overwhelming and yoga can be comforting. No two individuals will ever encounter the same experience. Yoga will make you search from within to resolve and release your oppression and through the journey you will be able to embrace peace, tranquility and confidence.

The healing benefits of yoga are abundant and will alter your life.