Health and Wellness Benefits of Yoga

Yoga practices include posture and other body movements, breathing, cleansing the body-mind, visualizations and many forms of meditation. At it’s most practical level yoga is a process of becoming more aware of who we are.

Yoga techniques facilitate balance and health, and unfold our dormant potential. Yoga allows us to be more aware of ourselves and feel connected. As such, yoga is a process of self-discovery and a pathway to overall wellness.

Gentle Yoga is a practice for everyone. No yoga experience is required. Benefits include: Calms the mind * Strengthens the body * Increases flexibility and balance * Releases stress

Restorative Yoga is a calm style of yoga which releases tension and stress through supportive physical postures, conscious awareness of breath (pranayamas) and meditation to promote a feeling of balance and renewal. Benefits include: Increases mobility in body (hips, spine, groin) * Increases flexibility in joints and connective tissue * Releases fascia throughout the body * Improves lubrication and protection of the joints * Stimulates digestion * Relieves fatigue * Soothes the nervous system * Rejuvenates the body * Refreshes the mind * Helps with TMJ, migraines and pain relief * Eases depression and anxiety * Helps with menopausal and menstrual discomfort * Eases urinary issues * Tones the abdomen and helps with weight loss * Regulates blood pressure * Supports auto immune health * Balances energy in the body – helps to bring a restful state and restore energy * Regulates the breath – calming and balancing to the mind and body * Eases sciatica * Calms the brain reducing stress levels * Brings people into a deep state of relaxation

Sources: Really Real Yoga by Marianne Wells. Restorative Yoga for Life by Gail Boorstein Grossman