UNDERSTANDING THE BENEFITS OF YOGASANAS FOR OVERALL WELL-BEING
UNDERSTANDING THE BENEFITS OF YOGASANAS FOR OVERALL WELL-BEING by Yogacharya Samita Rathor
According to Patanjali’s Yoga Sutra’s, ‘Sthiram Sukham Asanam’, means asana is a body posture and state of being, in which one can remain firm, composed and at the same time relaxed.
The incorporation of asanas in conjunction with other types of exercise will greatly aid in minimizing any or all budding aliments that may or could occur over time from other forms of laborious exercise.
Exercise increases strength and stamina of the muscles but Yoga affects complete body mind complex and triggers a change from negative to positive direction on the physical, mental, spiritual level of existence.
There are many contemporary bodily culture methods intended to build up the muscles through motorized movements and workouts. Asanas or yogic physical exercises are designed to develop not only the body but also expand the mental and the spiritual faculties. Exercise is essential to physical and emotional well-being. If it isn’t done properly, exercise can actually have an unfavorable effect. The main difference is that unlike yoga in physical culture emphasis is on violent movement of muscles which produces large quantities of lactic acid in the muscle fibers causing exhaustion.
In asanas the respiration rate falls, whereas in exercise it increases. Generally, physical exercises are done very quickly and with a lot of heavy breathing; therefore the respiratory system is forced to work much harder.
In asanas the metabolic rate decreases whereas with exercise it increases.
In asanas the muscles receive minimum nutrition and oxygen, the internal organs receive more. In physical exercise, it is the muscles that receive the most nutrition and oxygen at the cost of the other organs. Large muscles are developed by most types of physical exercise: these bigger muscles require greater nutrition and supply of blood.
Less oxygen consumption is required while doing asanas whereas in physical exercise it is increased.
The blood pressure and heart rate in asanas, goes down, whereas in exercise it increases.
Asanas help to harmonize the endocrinal secretions, balancing the emotions and giving a positive attitude to life.
Physical exercise tends to overwork the joints and can often be a catalyst in triggering rheumatism and stiffness later in life. The opposite is the case with asanas.
When practicing yoga, vigor and control play separate roles to achieve a perfect balance in every part of the body, as well as the mind. After such motivating exercise, a sense of freshness follows. Many forms of exercise require physical strength and endurance and can lead to a feeling of fatigue after 30 minutes of practice. An athlete's strong lung capacity is achieved by hard and forceful usage, which is not helpful to preserving the health of the lungs.
Most types of physical exercise require the body to make fast forceful movements. They have repeated actions, which often lead to tension and fatigue. Yoga poses on the other hand, involve movements, which bring stability and energy to the body, the senses, the mind, and the consciousness.
Many exercises improve energy levels by boosting nerve function, but ultimately, this exhausts the cellular reserves and the endocrine glands.
Asanas encourage flexibility and the capacity to adapt to the environment and to change; if done correctly, they also develop stamina.
Yoga practitioners need less food than people practicing physical exercise.
Asanas are done slowly, with relaxation and awareness which also encourages co-ordination between the body systems and the mind, unlike physical exercises.
Physical exercise tends to build up toxins in the body, whereas asanas eliminate them. Toxins build up in the body, and blood pressure and pulse are increased. Ultimately, the heart is overworked.
In yoga practice, the brain is quieted; the senses are stilled, generating a calm feeling of well-being.
Asanas develop inner awareness; exercises just have a physical feel good factor.
People who practice yoga require lesser food than people who workout
In Yoga the brain and body unite and are in sync with each other. Energy is evenly balanced between the two. No other form of exercise so completely involves the mind and spirit with the body, resulting in over all well-being. Other forms of exercise address only particular parts of the body. Yoga gives not only a physical but also mental workout which is so essential in today’s supersonic pace of existence.
Importantly, I advocate for practising yoga under the guidance of a qualified teacher or instructor to ensure proper execution and maximum benefit. As a Registered Counsellor and Yoga and Indic Wisdom Scholar, I thoroughly understand the holistic benefits of yoga asanas, highlighting their ability to foster balance, flexibility, inner awareness, and overall well-being.
