Yoga Essay Research Paper Yoga Ben KennerPage

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Yoga Essay, Research Paper

Yoga

Ben Kenner

Page 2

Until last year the only sport I was involved with was Powerlifting. This is a sport relatively unknown by most, but is actually very

popular. In Powerlifting you train in three specific lifts: The Squat, The Bench Press, and the Deadlift. After many years of training

for a 600 lb. Squat, a 500 lb. Bench, and a 650 lb. Deadlift, I found myself plagued with many injures including torn ligaments, a

torn pectoral muscle and chronic back and joint pain. After numerous visits to the doctor and chiropractor, I learned that years of

weight training without proper stretching will shorten tendons, pulling the spine out of alignment causing chronic back pain. My love

for lifting weights was destroying me and I decided that I needed something else to do or I would end up crippled by the age of 30.

In comes Yoga to my life. I started reading everything I could get my hands on related to the subject of Yoga. When I think of

Yogis I think Flexibility, so I thought this could remedy my problems. I also liked the philosophy of Yoga and the idea of Holistic

healing, rather than conventional medical practices.

Yoga comes from the ancient Sanskrit word meaning “Yoke” or “Union” thus the union of mind, body and soul. Yoga can be very

religious, but it is not a religion. Instead it is on of the first Sciences documented. A Yogi in the 18th century by the name of Babaji

uncovered ancient texts in India and mastered the practices written and passed them down over the years to different disciples. The

next generations modified their programs to suit their needs and or beliefs leading to the different styles of Yoga. Some styles

focus primarily on meditation and breathing while others stick to holding Asanas (poses), and practicing pranayama, pronounced

pra-na-ya-ma or breathing exercises. The end goal in all forms of Yoga is attaining a higher level of consciousness or to attain self-

realization.

The biggest benefit of Yoga is increased flexibility. I am now more flexible than I have ever been. I can remember not being able

to touch my toes in the sit and reach test in grade school. Now I can bend over flat with my head lying on my shins, hands on the

floor a foot past my toes. Increased Flexibility is the best form of injury prevention. Flexibility is not the only benefit of

Yoga. Consistent practice of Yoga decreases body fat levels to a minimum, improves circulation, strengthens the immune system,

improves overall body strength, stamina and balance. Brain function is improved and most students of Yoga have experienced

improved self esteem and stress levels have been all but eliminated.

What I liked about this was the fact that all of this can be attained with little or no equipment, by yourself, and with a minimal

amount of space. Your own body provides all the resistance necessary. Some classes teach the use of props like chairs, blocks,

blankets rolled up, ropes and belts to ease into the more difficult Asanas, but I choose to keep it simple. I do recommend the use of

a rug or a mat called a sticky mat so a person practicing does not slip and cause injury. A lot of times sweating out impurities is

common and a pool of sweat may accumulate on the floor. Most Yoga studios require that students bring a mat and a towel.

By developing a strong and supple spine you keep the bones and muscles in alignment allowing the organs and vital glands to

function properly and more efficient. Practice of Yoga will bring fluid back into stiff joints and tight ligaments eliminating built up

stress accumulated throughout the body.

More studies are being done in the west on the benefits of specific Yogic techniques. In Yoga philosophy it is believed that we

have prana, (life energy) flowing through invisible channels throughout our bodies. By practicing various asanas you open these

channels and allow the energy to flow evenly. In tern this promotes brain function leading to higher levels of concentration and

creativity. Many cases of anxiety, depression and mental illnesses may be treated without the use of medications just by

practicing meditation techniques. For example John Cabot-Zinn, Ph.D. of the University of Massachusetts developed a meditation

technique called SRRP, which has significantly shown for the last 20 years to reduce stress, anxiety and depression in people

with bi-polar disorders. Stephen Cope,MSW,LICSW, a psychotherapist and author believe that Yoga postures improve mood by

moving energy through places in the body where feelings of grief or anger are stored. “Yoga is an accessible form of learning self

soothing.”

I try and give myself an hour a day to spend practicing this includes allotting time for relaxation techniques to get started some

stretching and poses, finishing with a meditation session. I am not going to go into great detail on how to do Yoga. Instead all I can

recommend is to read a little and experiment a lot. Try and find a form of Yoga that suits your needs in particular. Watch a few

videos to observe proper techniques. Participate or watch a class if possible. Or even talking to someone you might know that

already practices. It seemed like as soon as I started to do Yoga, lots of my family and friends were interested because they saw

changes in me that interested them to one extent or another. Start slowly and listen to your body. It will let you know when it is

time to progress. The nice thing about Yoga is that there is no competition. You succeed in just trying.

Yoga

Ben Kenner

University of Phoenix