Yoga is on the rise in the Western world and with a global drive for more physical activity and health awareness, there’s a good reason as to why!
We love all things Yoga, Meditation and wellness here at Nurcha. If you’ve been thinking of giving yoga a go, there’s never been a better time to delve into the practice.
Although, Yoga studios seem to be popping up everywhere over the past few years, it is definitely not a new practice.
The development of yoga can be traced back to over 5,000 years ago! Some researchers think that yoga may be up to 10,000 years old old.
Yoga’s long rich history can be divided into four main periods of innovation, practice, and development. These are Pre-Classical Yoga, Classical Yoga, Post-Classical Yoga & Modern Period.
Most people first come to yoga for the physical benefits but keep on practising for the mental effects.
First, let’s explore the physical benefits
The relaxation techniques incorporated in yoga can lessen chronic pain, such as lower back pain, arthritis, headaches, and carpal tunnel syndrome. It is also known to lower blood pressure and reduce insomnia!
Physical benefits of Yoga can also include:
- Increased flexibility
- Increased muscle strength and tone
- Improved respiration, energy and vitality
- Maintaining a balanced metabolism
- Weight reduction
- Cardio and circulatory health
- Improved athletic performance
- Protection from injury
The list could go on!
Yoga can be used as a great workout or more of a slow relaxation flow and it can be practised anywhere. If you have space for a yoga mat, you have space to do yoga!
Having a quiet space with no distractions is ideal or attending a yoga class would be preferred, especially if you’re just beginning!
There are a staggering amount of YouTube videos, apps, online courses/teachers, studios and so much more focused around Yoga, there’s never been a better time to start!
Looking for great flow online? Check out Local Yoga Teacher Regan Smith’s Yoga for Sore Muscles by clicking here!
More important than the physical benefits are the mental benefits that yoga can bring.
Yoga increases body awareness, relieves stress, reduces muscle tension, strain, and inflammation, sharpens attention and concentration, and calms and centres the nervous system.
This is achieved by slowing down, connecting to the breath and becoming aware of how the body and the mind are actually feeling. Only when we are still can we hear what our body and mind are saying.
Studies show that yoga therapy can help with stress, anxiety, and depression.
The focus on deep breathing and stretching your body is effective for relieving the symptoms of depression, such as sleep troubles, pain, and a loss of energy.
We live in such a fast-paced world, it can become a rare occurrence to have time to slow down and allow time to become aware.
This is what makes yoga different from any other form of exercise.
Yoga can be seen less as a form of exercise but as a way of life!
It seems that modern science keeps finding more and more benefits to this ancient practice.
But after all…
A Stressed Mind = Stressed Muscles = Negative and Anxious Thoughts
A Calm Mind = Relaxed Muscles = Positive and Uplifting Thoughts
This is just the tip of the iceberg into the practice of yoga and the benefits it can have but there’s no reason not to give Yoga a go!
Start TODAY and see the incredible changes that will present themselves into your life.
At Nurcha we stock a HUGE range of yoga essentials! From mats, bolsters, blocks, yoga wheels and to celebrate International Yoga Day this weekend we will be having a huge sale both in-store and online!
Click here to explore all of our yoga range available at Nurcha.
Why not give it a go! Come on down and grab your yoga essentials from Nurcha.
Additionally, if you are interested in learning more bout meditation Click Here
