Yoga

by Nicki Anderson

“Fall” is such an appropriate name for a season that follows the lazy, hazy days of summer: we “fall” into the next phase of life in which calendars quickly fill with school activities and holidays. During the hustle and bustle of this season, stress is a common by-product. Unfortunately, stress is often overlooked and underestimated in its power to slow us down and weaken our immune system. There are remedies, however, to keep stress in check. One of those solutions is the practice of yoga.

Yoga is an ancient art that, amongst other things, can improve your immune system and greatly decrease stress. The origin of yoga dates back thousands of years. Initially, the intent of yoga was to attain the highest spiritual goals: self-realization, enlightenment, and the liberation of the individual soul. Until about A.D. 500 yoga was consistent and “pure,” but due to its popularity, other forms of yoga eventually began to emerge with various yogis each with their personal “take” on yoga.

From about A.D. 1500, yoga became more of a mainstream health practice. Teachers began to shift their primary emphasis onto the physical practices of Hatha Yoga, such as asana (postures) and pranayama (breath control), often overlooking the initial goals of higher spirituality and the true realization of personal transformation and self-awareness. Ultimately, becoming flexible, strong, and healthy became the main goal of yoga.

Today there are many different types of yoga, each with its unique take on
the practice and different benefits. Ultimately, all types of yoga have been found to produce some wonderful anti-stress benefits. Jackie Yu, a 12-year yoga teacher in Naperville, attributes the “breath” to the relaxation by-product of yoga. “When you are able to breathe fully and deeply with optimal use of lungs, diaphragm, and abdominals, the body and brain are able to connect and relax.”

Yu explains that under stress, the brain and body are often in automatic fight-or-flight mode. The sympathetic nervous system works to cope with stress, but creates unwanted by-products such as cortisol (a leading stress hormone), shallow breathing, and tense muscles—to name a few. “When you breathe deeply, the parasympathetic nervous system is encouraged to create calm, lowering blood pressure, decreasing heart rate, and increasing overall relaxation. By practicing a complete yoga practice of breathwork (pranayama), physical poses (asanas), and relaxation (savasana), the body and mind reconnect. Physical strength, flexibility, and overall mindfulness create a feeling of well-being and contentment,” says Yu.

Many believe that yoga is a type of “cult,” when in truth it’s simply an additional activity to enhance the body—both mentally and physically. Yu shared a quote from a yogi she once met from India: “Let the yoga fit to you, rather than you fit to the yoga. Yoga was created thousands of years ago with the purpose of creating good health for all.”

Deciding the right type of yoga for you is similar to choosing any other exercise regime: it’s a matter of finding what you like, and then deciding which style best fits you. “It is good to try different yoga classes to experience what makes you feel best. The class you want to go back to time and again is likely one that both challenges you and leaves you feeling renewed in a safe, effective manner,” recommends Yu.

No matter which yoga style you decide on the benefits cannot be denied. Positive side effects include increased muscle strength and endurance, which enhances the quality of day-to-day life. Yoga can also lead to an increase in flexibility, along with a decrease in blood pressure and heart rate. Above all, yoga allows the body time to reconnect in a way that helps ease both muscle and nervous tension, ultimately reducing stress.  

When seeking out a yoga “home,” make sure your yoga instructor is well qualified with solid experience. Never hesitate to ask for referrals. Yoga is a wonderful addition to any current exercise regime or an ideal way to welcome fall with joy and healthy anticipation.

Naperville Yoga Studios
Universal Spirit Yoga
www.universalspirityoga.com
630.416.7526

Bikram Yoga Naperville
www.bikramyoganaperville.com
630.428-9644

Dahn Yoga, Tai Chi and Healing Center
www.dahnyoga.com
630.505.0809

Sky Yoga Studio & More
www.skyyogastudio.com
630.386.0027

Power of Your Om Yoga Studio
www.powerofyourom.com
630.881.0405

L’Artiste2
www.lartiste2.com
630.717.8969