Wellbeing and Yoga

In our quest for Wellbeing, a very effective tool in our armoury would be the practice of Yoga.

The origins of yoga, as it has been practised for thousands of years in the East, is, simply put, the union between body, mind and spirit.

Click on the picture on the rhs and it will take you to the NHS guide to the benefits of Yoga.

In the past few decades Yoga has been recognised in the West as a place of connection with your own body and encompasses balance, stretching techniques, breathing and centring the mind in meditation ... or relaxation and mindfulness.

Studies, including a 2015 study in the Journal of Physical Therapy Science, suggest that participating in Hatha yoga improves flexibility in the spine and hamstrings.

Researchers recommend Hatha Yoga for older adults who need help improving the range of motion in joints and in building core strength.

Most yoga teachers are members of the British Wheel of Yoga. They base their lessons in supporting and strengthening the core of our being ... physically and mentally.  Click on the image below to find out more about The British Wheel of Yoga.

The breath is the prime focus of all Yoga practice; it is the bridge between body and mind.

The language of Yoga is Sanskrit, very ancient words that come from religious origins but now also used in secular Yoga practice.

The now familiar word, Namaste, is one such.  It is used as an all-encompassing greeting, hello or goodbye.  It literally means "I bow to you".

This blog was written by Margaret Brown, pictures and links added by Jane Green.  If this has whetted your appetite, why not join a yoga class - we did!