Yoga
Yoga is defined as a discipline focusing on posture, musculature, consciousness & breathing. Yoga is used to promote mental and physical well being through healthy development and maintenance of the human body.
There are 2 main practices in Yoga - the Asana (cleansing posture) & the Pranayama (breathing techniques).
Like other therapies, Yoga believes a majority of physical ailments come from tension & mental factors. Yoga originated in India several thousand years ago. The word Yoga means union or to join or integrate.
Yoga teaches that nasal breathing controls the flow of Prana, a vital life force. It is believed that breathing connects the mind & emotions through the Parasymphathetic nervous system and reduces tension, so by breathing correctly, negative emotions such as anger, frustration & depression can be controlled. Stretching also helps you to get in touch with your body; the two used together can trigger a beneficial chemical & hormonal reaction of the body (relaxation response).
Traditionally Yoga has been used for flexibility, relaxation & meditation. Studies, however, show that Yoga also offers an aerobic benefit as well.
As Yoga is both a mental & physical therapy, it has helped people who suffer from anxiety, depression & other mental conditions. Yoga is a great choice for stress reduction, as it combines stretching, breathing exercises and meditation.