Yoga is a philosophical teaching that originated in India. In the last few decades, yoga has gained increasing popularity in other countries as well. The term can mean union or integration and refers to the interaction of body and mind. The various exercises range from stretching, breathing and physical exercises to deep relaxation and meditation.
Good for the soul
Yoga takes a holistic approach. This has very positive effects on the psyche. With relaxation techniques and autosuggestion, wandering thoughts are brought back into the “now”. Positive and calming thoughts are repeated and thus part of our thinking.
When it comes to stress and anxiety, the breathing techniques of yoga are particularly helpful. The concentration is directed to the breathing and away from other thoughts such as the further planning of the day or other things that lie in the future. As a result, we are not only in the “now”, but also close to our organs such as the heart and lungs.
Science has now also proven that yoga promotes physical and mental health. Some of the positive benefits of yoga include:
• Strengthening the muscles
• Improved mobility of the body
• Relaxation and calm for the mind
• Strengthening the immune system
• Reducing stress
• Energy, vitality and self-confidence
Overall, yoga pursues the goal of calming the mind and creating a unity in the body.
Paths to Yoga
Since yoga has become so popular, there are different ways to practice the philosophy. For example, there are numerous videos on the Internet showing exercises that address problems with different parts of the body. There is also the opportunity to take part in courses with experts or to take a whole yoga holiday. There are offers for this in Germany or all over the world.
Yoga is also a tried and tested part of cures. Such a cure can not only help you to master the techniques and exercises better and give you inner peace in the long term. The intense relaxation and calm that you will find as a result also have a positive effect in connection with complex trauma. As a complementary part and together with other therapeutic approaches, yoga can have a positive effect on those affected.
What positive effects can yoga have?
Studies have found that regular yoga has a positive effect on our mood. Happiness hormones such as dopamine and serotonin and the neurotransmitter “GABA” can be detected in higher concentrations. Other studies have shown a decrease in cortisol and an increase in serotonin and melatonin levels with regular yoga.
The subjectively perceived quality of life also improves through yoga.
An American study with soldiers also found that yoga breathing exercises reduce stress responses. As a result of the breathing exercises, the soldiers suffered less from acute stress reactions.
With cPTSD and PTSD, yoga is particularly useful as a complementary part to other forms of therapy and treatments. It is also important to mention that yoga has hardly any side effects or risks for the patient compared to other forms of therapy.
https://www.barmer.de/kursangebote/bewegung-und-fitness/yoga/yoga-mentale-staerke-242320
https://www.barmer.de/kursangebote/bewegung-und-fitness/yoga
