Benefits of YOGA

Stimulates and awakens the body in all its aspects and functions
Restores natural flexibility
Improves the digestive system
Promotes relaxation
Increases dynamism
Generates physical and mental well-being
Improves energy circulation
Restores symmetry and improves balance
Frees joints and corrects alignments and imbalances
Fights fatigue, insomnia and backache
Lengthens muscle chains
Stimulates blood circulation
Corrects bad posture
Improves nerve flow, reflexes and concentration
Reduces stress, anxiety and nervous tension
Improves immune functions and the body's ability to defend itself.
Promotes a clear, focused state of mind, develops inner strength and our ability to create the causes and conditions of our well-being.
This age-old practice will work a miracle on your vitality and flexibility in the short, medium and long term. Every part of the body is deeply involved in a beneficial stretch that lubricates and softens all joints.

The 5 principles of yoga according to Swami Vishnudevananda

1. Appropriate exercises (asanas)
Asanas (postures) work on every part of the body, lubricating the entire system by stimulating circulation and improving flexibility.
"Asana" means "sustained posture done with awareness, providing a sense of well-being and enhancing the capacity for concentration and meditation".

Yoga asanas work primarily on the health of the spine. This contains the central nervous system, the body's communication system, on which the health of the entire body depends.

As the flexibility and strength of the spine are maintained through proper exercise, circulation is improved, nerves are assured of a better supply of nutrients and oxygen, and the body retains its youthfulness for a long time to come. In addition, asanas activate pressure points which, when stimulated, increase the flow of prana (life force or vital energy) through the body.

Asanas also massage the internal organs, enabling them to function more effectively. Always practised in conjunction with deep breathing, relaxation and concentration, asanas help to develop mental focus. The perpetually restless mind is withdrawn from external distractions, turns inwards and finds peace.

2. Correct breathing (Pranayama)
Pranayama, or correct breathing, connects the body's battery, the solar plexus, where enormous reserves of energy can be stored and retrieved. This energy can be released through the breathing exercises of pranayama. Consciously controlling our breathing enables us to store and access a greater quantity of vital energy or prana.

Most people use only a fraction of their lung capacity to breathe. They breathe superficially, and the lack of oxygen leads to tension in the upper back and neck. The deep abdominal breathing of yoga can release old toxins and tensions, and even depression. A person with abundant prana radiates strength and vitality, and works with efficiency, calm and concentration.

Pranayama (breathing exercises) increases prana and helps control it. There's a subtle connection between prana and the mind. By controlling prana, we control the mind. All diseases of the body can be destroyed at their root by controlling prana, which is the secret of healing. Acupuncture, shiatsu and spiritual healing are all examples of conscious or unconscious prana control.

3. Correct relaxation (Savasana)
Proper relaxation is a vital element in maintaining a healthy body and mind. When practised correctly, it releases immense energy resources. Correct relaxation refreshes the system, like coolant for a car. When the body is relaxed, nature can recharge it more effectively.

When the body and mind are constantly overloaded, we feel "too full".
The stresses and challenges of modern life make relaxation difficult. We waste an enormous amount of energy on unnecessary physical and mental tension. During the day, our bodies produce all the substances and energies they need for the next day, but these are often dissipated within minutes by bouts of negative emotions such as anger, grief, jealousy and so on.

During deep relaxation, only a small amount of prana is used to maintain important metabolic activities. A few minutes of deep relaxation can recharge us more effectively than hours of restless sleep.

4. Correct diet (Vegetarian)
The yogic diet, essentially lacto-vegetarian, consists of natural dishes prepared with fresh organic vegetables. The yogic diet nourishes both body and mind, and is best suited to the practice of yoga and meditation.

A simple yogic diet is a balanced, natural, chemical-free diet, guaranteeing the best source of nutrients. The yogic relationship to food is: eat to live, not live to eat, eat the products that have the most positive effect on the body and the least negative effect on the environment and other creatures.

5. Positive thinking and meditation (Vedanta and Dhyana)
Positive thinking and meditation are important keys to achieving peace of mind.
Meditation is the art of slowing down and focusing the mind.
Regular practice promotes mental, physical and spiritual well-being. To meditate well, we must first calm the mind with techniques of concentration and positive thinking.

A mind full of negative emotions and scattered thoughts cannot be calmed.

Through concentration techniques, waves of negative thoughts are replaced by positive images, and autosuggestions lead the mind into a calm, peaceful state.