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Our body is made up of two nervous systems, namely; sympathetic and parasympathetic. The sympathetic system is also termed as ‘fight/flight’ system. This system leads to a rise in blood pressure, fastens the respiration rate and spurts the stress hormones. In ancient times, this situation was faced when people had to fight against the dangerous animals. And in today’s modern world these circumstances are a result of tension related to office work, traffic, etc. So when this system is highly invigorated, one tends to go through health hazards such as migraines, heart disease and ulcers.

On the other hand, the parasympathetic system keeps the blood pressure level low and reduces the speed of breathing. In situations where the blood is not anymore gushing towards the muscles, it then moves on to the immune, glandular, reproductive and digestive systems. This is time that our body takes to make up for the harm caused during our day to day combats. Studies have revealed that extended and deep breathing supports the actions of this system and permits the reposing and curing to take place. In short, the person practicing yoga goes through breathing meditations known as pranayama. This meditation assists the parasympathetic nervous system.

The excellence of the respiration rate is the mirror of the fineness of the mind. Our mental, psychological and emotional states are linked to the speed and deepness of our breathing rates. For instance, short and quick breaths are witnessed when one is frightened. On the other hand, when one is totally calmed or sleeping, deep and long breaths are the case. So our mental condition has an impact on our breathing, thus we can select to change this breathing rhythm to alter our mental condition.

The easy implementation of asana (yoga postures), pranayma (breathing and dristhi (focusing) helps is attaining better physical health.  Newborns are innate yogis. That was the time when everybody has the ability to bring toes up to the ears level and giggle. But as one grows up and ages, this balance is lost gradually.

Yoga is a very old exercise that aids in creating a harmony among mind, body and spirit. It balances everything. So you can make it a part of your physical life. It will help you tone up your body and make it stronger and more flexible. It will support you to maintain a stable metabolism and regulating your weight.

Yoga also plays a vital role in your mental life. It will train you to concentrate on your breathing while you are holding on various poses. The aim of this focusing is to calm your respiration and to ease yourself out. You will feel more energized and relaxed.

Yoga will also aid you in your spiritual life. It is performed by people from all religions. It trains us to live a good life and brings a balance in our lives. It imbibes in us traits like forgiveness, gentleness and patience. It also favors proper eating routine. Today several programs are chalked out for patients for recovery purposes.

Anyone can practice yoga, age is not a barrier. Whether you are a lazy bum or a professional sports person it will have yoga pose for you that best suits you. It is a training where you experience and look out for your limitations.

You can start off with it by joining a yoga class. Yoga is benefitial for your physical, mental and spiritual health. Physically it makes body stronger, toned up and flexible. It makes breathing process better and energizes. It results in a stable metabolism. It assists and results a good heart condition. It will help you in alleviating pain and in rejuvenation. And will make better your athletic performance.

Mentally, it will give you strength to cope with situations involving stress. Aid you to calm down your mind and lead you towards optimism and boost your confidence. Lastly, spiritually, it will help you in getting to know your body, the way you feel, your surroundings and obligations towards others. Yoga will teach you to enjoy the being in unity with the world.


Ayesha Asghar