We now know that stress contributes to a multitude of ailments,
such as: headaches, backaches, high blood pressure, stomach
disorders, lowered immunity, muscular tension, depression, heart
attack, and much more. Stress is definitely a "killer" and the
source of many health problems.
In fact, stress will prevent and distract your body from healing
itself. While you are feeling "stressed out", your body and mind
make dealing with stress the number one priority. Your mind and
body need to cope with regular maintenance and overall health,
on a daily basis, by putting stress on the back burner.
Are you looking for a way to release stress, tension, and pain
from your body? Are you tired all the time and feel the need to
rest, but you know you should get some exercise? How can you do
both? The answer is to start regularly attending Restorative
Yoga classes, and reap the rewards of healing without a
tremendous amount of effort.
There are many styles of Yoga to choose from. In India, there
are nine main styles of Yoga, and Hatha Yoga is just one of
them. Hatha Yoga, "the union of physical mastery," and its many
sub-types, are the most popular in the West.
Among the many Hatha styles of Yoga, are traditional and
contemporary types of Yoga. Restorative Yoga is classified as a
contemporary type of Hatha Yoga. Some might also say that
Restorative Yoga is an evolutionary form of Hatha Yoga. The use
of props, "sinking into" postures, safety factors, and attention
to the internal body, is very rewarding.
This is not usually a class for the vigorous Yoga practitioners
who want to move, push, and sometimes strain, in a Yoga posture.
Unfortunately, straining will cause long-lasting injuries.
Learning Yoga does not have to be a strain or struggle.
Restorative Yoga usually attracts a person who is interested in
healing his or her body, in the process of attending a Yoga
class.
If you have ailments, feel nervous, or are attending your first
Restorative Yoga class, you should consult with your Yoga
teacher, before class time. Your Yoga teacher may be able to
advise you in regard to techniques that will alleviate stress or
pain. You can expect that your Yoga teacher will be
compassionate and modifications to postures will be taught.
Your body and mind will feel the benefits of relaxing into a
Yoga posture. As a result, you be able to balance your life, and
feel the benefits of integrating good posture, stillness,
movement, relaxation, proper breathing, and meditation.
Every one of these aspects is covered within a typical
Restorative Yoga class. So, you can expect to start healing your
body and mind during your first Yoga class. You will also
continue to keep your priorities in order, while keeping worry,
stress, depression, and fatigue on the "back burner."
© Copyright 2005 - Paul Jerard / Aura Publications
About the author:
Paul Jerard is the director of Yoga teacher training at Aura in
RI. He's a master instructor of martial arts and Yoga. He
teaches Yoga, martial arts, and fitness. He wrote: Is Running a
Yoga Business Right for You? For Yoga students wanting to be a
Yoga teacher.
http://www.yoga-teacher-training.org
