​The Origins & Benefits of Yoga

The practice of yoga evolved in India some 5000 years ago and was originally developed as a means to help spiritual aspirants prepare the body for long periods of meditation where higher states of consciousness could be reached.  Asana, the physical poses that we know as ‘yoga’, are in fact just one of the eight steps on this spiritual path.  With the addition of pranayama (control of breath) and meditation, the practice of yoga becomes more profound than mere physical exercise and consequently has many holistic benefits beyond the improved flexibility and strength it is renowned for.
 
​While asana, through its manipulation of the body’s tissues, undoubtedly improves muscular-skeletal health it also helps to stimulate the cardio-vascular and lymphatic systems, the adrenal glands and the endocrine system.  As a result blood pressure and heart rate are lowered, the body’s immune system is improved, and stress hormones are reduced thereby improving mood, mental clarity and quality of sleep.  These beneficial physical and mental effects are enriched by the control of breath (pranayama) which has a similar yet more subtle effect on the body’s systems, and meditation which encourages self-awareness and discipline whilst relaxing the mind.  By working with the mind, body and breath the body’s energy becomes balanced, symptoms such as fatigue, pain and anxiety are overcome and an overall sense of health and well-being are achieved.  Read more about the Benefits of Yoga…

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Hatha

Ideal for newcomers to yoga or for those returning to physical exercise after some time away, Hatha is the classical form of yoga that most other styles have emerged from.   A gentle yet powerful form of yoga, the Hatha class usually begins with sun salutations to warm up the body and connect the mind to the breath before moving into a series of static asana (postures).  While holding a posture, which may be standing, seated, prone or supine in nature, direction is given so that the proper muscular-skeletal alignment can be achieved.  In its proper alignment the body’s systems are able to work more effectively whilst strength and flexibility are improved.  The sequence of asana will be interspersed with periods of relaxation which allow the adjustments made to the body to have a more deep-rooted effect.  The slow and considered practice of Hatha Yoga creates great connection between mind and body and improves self-awareness considerably.
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Vinyasa

More suited to those with previous yoga experience or a decent level of fitness, Vinyasa yoga is a more dynamic form of Hatha Yoga.   Using the same postures as Hatha, the vinyasa class uses a flowing series of movements to transition from one posture to the next:  each of these movements is synchronised to an inhalation or exhalation. The connection to the breath is maintained as the posture is held, usually for a count of five breaths, before flowing to the next posture.  A vinyasa class is wonderful at improving strength and flexibility in equal measure and due to increased internal heat it is also incredibly detoxifying.  The powerful nature of the vinyasa sequence can be quite challenging but it is this, along with the meditative flow, which allows the mind to completely relax and mental strength to be realised.  
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Yin

Suited to all levels of experience and ability, the practice of Yin Yoga involves a series of long-held (around 5 mins), passive floor poses that increase flexibility to the lower spine, hips, pelvis and thighs.  Unlike the more dynamic ‘yang’ styles of yoga which focus on lengthening and contracting the muscles, Yin requires the muscles to be relaxed as moderate stress is applied to the connective tissues (ligaments, tendons and fascia).  During this process increased circulation nourishes the connective tissues, whilst also allowing them to slowly lengthen and become more flexible.   As Yin Yoga favours connective tissues over muscles it cannot be considered a complete practice but serves as a perfect complement to more active forms of yoga. Although gentle in nature yin yoga can be challenging due to the length of time each pose is held – the practice is meditative and a little patience is required.  However when this inner stillness is found subtle shifts in the body can be experienced which can be deeply profound.