Many of the yogic postures and breathing exercises bring much needed blood and oxygen to bodily tissues and organs which speeds the healing of the practitioner
Releasing built up physical and emotional tension slowly liberates vast resources of energy
Finally, and not to be underestimated in importance, a regular yoga practice can gradually and significantly increase a person’s sense of self-acceptance and inner peace
Techniques & Resources Criteria For A Yoga Class It is difficult to overemphasize the important of learning yoga in a class
Experienced yoga teachers can help with the correct postures and breathing techniques
More importantly, it is usually much easier to keep a regular practice over the long-term when attending a regular class and practice sessions
Please look for a yoga class that meets the following criteria: Located close to your home or work if possible
Taught by a certified yoga instructor, not by a health club instructor teaching glorified stretching exercises that they decide to call “yoga” or teaching “relaxation exercises
” The yoga instructor is willing to adjust the routine to to your abilities
The instructor should help you develop a routine that will improve your overall wellbeing without injuring or frustrating you
Speak with the yoga instructor on this subject before starting classes
I feel that it is best to start with a form of yoga that emphasizes the asanas (postures), includes a “final relaxation” pose and over time begins to add a couple of breathing exercises (pranayama)
For many people, it is best to leave meditation and the spiritual aspects of yoga until later
(On the other hand, I know several people who have gotten enormous benefits from meditation without first practicing yoga postures or breathing
So, you will have to find what works for you with a little experimentation
) If possible, locate a yoga instructor who has several low-cost practice sessions per week
This way, it will be easier to perform short yoga routines regularly
As you become more experienced, the yoga instructor should be able to teach you yogic cleansing exercises
Some very experienced yoga teachers may be able to customize treatment routines for persons with a chronic illness
Some of the research mentioned earlier included customized yoga exercises
Where To Find Information on Different Styles of Yoga Information on various yoga styles can be found at the Yoga Research & Education Center, the Yoga Movement web page, and at the Yoga Paths web page
Ask at your hospital’s stress reduction clinic
Local community Adult Education classes often ofter yoga classes
Books & Magazines The following books have helped me over the years
) An excellent introductory book for the beginner
It includes two very healing exercises, a simple breathing exercise and abdominal lifts
This is the book I started with many years ago
) The routines described in this book seem very well-designed
The Basic Practice Charts includes examples for a 1-1/2-hour routine and a 1/2-hour routine
As I mentioned earlier, please be careful not to overdose on long yoga routines in the beginning