How can yoga, deep relaxation, breathing exercises and meditation help?
Yoga asanas (or postures) help relieve tension in the body. Since our minds and bodies are not separate, any tension in either the body or the mind affects the other. Asanas work on the body, but they affect the mind as well. They are a preparation for the other stress management techniques. Deep relaxation is unique to Integral Yoga classes. During this guided practice (called Yoga Nidra), the body goes to sleep while the mind remains conscious. It induces a more peaceful state of mind, is a tremendous aid to healing, and helps us to access deeper levels of our being. It is said that 10 minutes in Yoga Nidra provides relaxation equivalent to several hours of sleep. Breathing exercises are also taught in every Integral Yoga class. They help increase lung capacity, allowing one to take in up to 7 times more oxygen than with normal shallow breathing, and help in boosting the body’s immune system by helping to clear toxins we ingest, whether through food, water or air. They also help bala
