​Asana

Asanas go beyond flexibility and strength - if done traditionally, can stimulate the parasympathetic nervous system, promoting relaxation. A regular practice improves neuroplasticity, rejuvenates the neuroendocrine system, enhancing brain function and overall homeostasis. 

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Pranayama

Breath control is a powerful tool for regulating the autonomic nervous system, activating the vagus nerve, enhancing heart rate variability and promoting a state of calm. If done consciously, this practice increases oxygen supply to the brain, improve stress and emotional resilience and well as cognitive performace. 

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Yoga Nidra

A state of conscious relaxation (under the umbrella of Non-sleep deep rest (NSDR)), that allows the body to rest deeply while the mind remains alert. This practice can enhance delta brainwave activity, associated with deep sleep. Similarly to hypnosis, this practice is being harnessed for healing. It's shown to reduce PTSD symptoms, anxiety, and chronic pain, making it valuable practice to improve mental health. 

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Meditation

A cornerstone of yoga that cultivates mindfulness and awareness. Regular meditation alters brain structure and function, increasing gray matter in areas associated with memory, empathy, and stress regulation. It's also been shown to improve focus, decision-making, and emotional stability.

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That being said,

Scientific research on yoga, while promising, still faces limitations such as small sample sizes, methodological inconsistencies, and varied results. More research is needed to fully understand the specific effects of different techniques and their underlying mechanisms.

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Moreover, as exciting as they are, the benefits on the mind and body as shown by science are merely side effects of a yoga practice. Yoga is meant for spiritual advancement, self-enquiry, and evolution—a way to understand the impermanent nature of the physical world and the eternal nature of the soul (atman).

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Due to its outward nature, science can only prove so much. While scientific analysis is rigorous and can provide robust insights, it can also make the magical practice of yoga seem sterile. Yoga is more than the sum of its parts, and the true way to understand it is through personal experience.

Practice is key. Explore and research for yourself.

 

If you need any help along the way, drop me a message.

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