The word yoga conjures up images of twisted and contorted physical postures. But yoga is so much more than just a physical exercise.
As a yoga teacher you will need to establish healthy boundaries for yourself and your students. If someone approaches you with a medical or psychological complaint you should refer them to an appropriate professional.
Physical
Yoga postures (called asanas) strengthen muscles and increase body flexibility, and also promote respiratory and cardiovascular health. Therapeutic yoga, which is practiced with a trained instructor, can help alleviate specific health conditions.
For example, yoga can be helpful for people with chronic neck pain and headaches, and it can improve symptoms of depression and anxiety. It can also reduce sleep problems, such as insomnia and apnea, and improve balance.
Yoga can also help with recurring health issues, such as asthma or high blood pressure, and it can be beneficial for women trying to start a family because it can reduce stress and balance hormones. In addition, yoga can be an effective weight loss tool for some people because it is a low-impact form of strength training. Yoga is not a replacement for medical treatment, however, so anyone with health concerns should discuss it with their doctor.
Mental
For those struggling with mental health issues, yoga has proven to be an excellent tool. Practicing it can improve mood, boost strength, and decrease emotional reactivity. Houston Methodist’s medical director of psychiatry and telepsychiatry, Corinna Keenmon, says practicing yoga increases the mind-body connection that can be helpful for those experiencing mental health struggles.
Yoga can also help reduce anxiety. Its emphasis on mindful living and meditation can help people focus on the present moment. Moreover, it has been found that the practice of yoga can increase levels of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), a neurotransmitter known to calm and slow brain activity.
Additionally, yoga has been found to improve sleep. This is especially important for those with depression, as it can aid in reducing the symptoms of that disorder. It can also be used as a complement to other therapies for depression, including pharmacological treatment. The ancient practice also has many rules that help establish self-awareness, acceptance and compassion.
Emotional
When people hear the word yoga, they often think of difficult physical postures. But that is only one aspect of the practice. Yoga includes breathing exercises and mindfulness meditation techniques that can greatly improve emotional wellbeing.
It can help ease anxiety disorders by promoting relaxation and reducing the physiological symptoms of anxiety such as rapid heartbeat. It can also boost levels of the neurotransmitter gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) which improves mood and reduces anxiety.
Yoga can also help you develop a non-judgmental awareness of your emotions so that you are more inquisitive about what is happening, rather than becoming overwhelmed by them. This can be a powerful tool in building self-compassion and quieting negative, critical thoughts. Lastly, the body scan and guided imagery practices in yoga can be helpful for improving sleep patterns. It is important to note that while yoga can enhance emotional wellbeing, it cannot cure mental health issues such as depression and anxiety, nor should it be seen as a replacement for counselling or psychotherapy.
Spiritual
The spirit of yoga encourages individuals to transcend the physical and realize that all beings are connected. The yogic philosophy also includes a system of ethical principles that fosters compassion, kindness, and self-love.
Many yoga enthusiasts choose to round out their routine with meditation. This quieting of the mind and cultivation of mindfulness helps to soothe the wobbling body and calm the disturbed mind. It can further strengthen the connection between the individual self and the universal consciousness, neutralizing ego-driven thoughts and behaviors.
To reap the spiritual benefits of yoga, practice regularly. Start each session with an intention such as gratitude or finding peace to enhance the impact of your practice. You can also incorporate teachings and philosophies from different yogic traditions to enrich your spiritual journey.