In an earlier article, the concept of Yoga as a philosophy was introduced and the ability to utilize the spheres of Yoga in their totality to change one’s learned and conditioned responses which leads to negative activities and turn these responses into positive life-enhancing ones. Although the physical postures or asanas help develop a healthier body, the internal conditioning that takes place is what refines the consciousness of an individual. The best way to equate this is to identify a practice we all can relate to: when we sleep, thoughts are quieted through relaxation and there is a sense of peace. Sleep which is sound and undisturbed is life-enhancing and leaves one feeling revitalized.  However, the consciousness is inactive as it is withdrawn, whereas, in the practice of Yoga, the process and discipline helps in achieving this state of relaxation and peace.

Optimal health through a mind-body-spirit integration is the goal of Yoga; it is the method by which the restless mind is calmed and the energy directed into constructive channels. A controlled mind provides a reservoir of peace and generates abundant energy for human uplift. Hence the ability to achieve many goals in life as the focus and energy combination propels you to action. Yoga is transforming; it turns ignorance into knowledge, knowledge into wisdom and wisdom into peace. Once knowledge of how to still the mind is gained, any external influence will be unable to move you from the state of relaxation which the mind innately remembers from the time of creation. It is a renaissance of when we were created – to be at peace.

Adversities in life will prevail, but it is the changed perception of these as life-enhancing processes for personal growth, i.e., detachment from the conditioned tension and anxiety, that is the outcome of practicing Yoga. Therefore, in situations where an individual has relied on unhealthy strategies for problem solving to no avail, Yoga as a new coping mechanism gives a healthier option for dealing with issues. This ideal was qualified in results pertaining to ongoing research into the benefits of practicing Iyengar Yoga (online article Light On Yoga Research Trust – Scientific Research in Iyengar Yoga).

Practice of an asana removes any obstruction that impedes the flow of energy in the body.

Energy in this sense equates to the breath; the same energy that is referred to when one speaks of chi or prana. In the practice of asana, thoughtful processes are involved to achieve balance between movement and resistance. It requires even distribution of weight over muscles, bones and joints, it is this from this premise that intelligence is engaged at every level. Also, symmetry of the body removes undue stress from the circulatory, respiratory, digestive, reproductive and excretory organs. During each asana, each different organ is placed in a different anatomical position with results of a fresh blood supply; organs are massaged, relaxed, and toned into a state of optimal health.

Although the process of Yoga is a slow one, in comparison to modern medical science it is superior to the need for medication when a condition is not life-threatening. When allopathic treatment is required, Yoga can minimize some of the ill effects induced by drugs. Yoga strengthens the body’s natural defenses, increases the range of movement when the body is physically assaulted by sprains and strains, and is a great energy restorer, so it is also an ideal complement for athletes. Yoga is especially well designed for women, and this will be alluded to in subsequent articles specifically related to milestones in a woman’s life. 

To summarize, research has shown that Yoga asanas are stimulative exercises in comparison to other endurance exercises which are said to be irritative, e.g., jogging – where the heartbeat increases but the heart is not stimulated. In the yogic sense, the heart is more energized in a back bend. Yoga is able to bridge the divide between the physical and mental to stem feelings of pain, fatigue, doubt, confusion, indifference, laziness, self-delusion, and despair. Yoga is also able to dispel a negative attitude which is often a precursor of stress. Yoga leads to total liberation and helps illuminate all aspects of your life with regular practice. It helps you to look at your self and your goals in a new light, removing obstacles to good health and stable emotions.

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