National yoga participation is on the rise.
According to a survey by Yoga Alliance and Yoga Journal, over 36 million Americans reported doing yoga in 2016 — up from 20.4 million in 2012. Part of this increase is due to doctors frequently recommending regular yoga for back and shoulder pain, but yoga is enjoyed by people of all ages, genders and backgrounds.
What is yoga?
The word “yoga” literally translates from the ancient Sanskrit language to mean “union.” The idea is to connect or unify the mind and body.
Yoga improves flexibility, strength and balance while simultaneously relaxing the mind. This is accomplished through various movements and postures as guided by a yoga instructor. Instruction is available in person, on DVDs or in yoga classes, such as the ones I teach at the Plant City Family YMCA.
In ancient times, various yoga postures were assigned by a doctor to patients who came for treatment. For a back ache, the doctor would give a prescription for yoga exercises that not only stretched and balanced the back but also relieved mental stress.
We all have stressed about a person or situation, and that can be a source of body pain — especially in the back. As an instructor, I never know what someone is going through at home or on the job, so I guide everyone through exercises to take their mind off it all.
Is yoga hard to do?
Yoga is as easy or hard as you make it. Want it to be easier? Just back off a bit. Want it to be more challenging? Add intensity to what you are doing. Everyone in the class sets their own pace and level of intensity.
Finding the right class
Find a yoga class that focuses on your areas of interest. Yoga can be found by many different class names.
Hatha yoga, for example, is simply movements and postures that open up energy channels in the body. Hatha increases blood circulation, deepens breathing and helps the body detox.
Yoga can be serious or fun. Try laughter yoga to emphasize breathing, lower stress and boost positive hormones. Consider martial arts yoga to ease tension and increase mental focus. Chair yoga makes yoga accessible for those with mobility issues.
I teach restorative yoga to rebalance the body while resting the mind. At the end of the class, everyone feels refreshed and renewed, even after a long day. Another favorite I teach is yoga nidra, which literally means “sleeping yoga.” Yes, lying on your yoga mat in a sleep-like state works to connect mind and body.
Is yoga a religion?
Yoga is a powerful exercise that can benefit participants in many ways, but religion is not the goal. Even in ancient India, yoga was simply a philosophy. Using the exercise and breathing components alone do not even approach being a philosophy, let alone a religion.
How do I get started?
Talk to your doctor if you have any concern about starting yoga or any exercise program. Then go to a yoga class with a friend, or borrow a DVD or book from the local library to use at home. I recommend watching the video all the way through before trying to do the exercises.
Jennifer E. Closshey, Ph.D., is a doctor of integrative health based out of Plant City. Contact her at JenniferClosshey@gmail.com.