Some of the Benefits of Yoga:

·         Improves posture

·         Helps you to breath better

·         Oxygenates your tissues

·         Lower’s blood pressure

·         Strengthens the immune system

·         Improves blood sugar levels

·         Makes you happier and easier to get along with

·         Is great for stress reduction.

Sivananda Yoga focuses on the 5 points:

1. Proper Exercise:  Yoga helps in lubricating the joints, ligaments, tendons, and muscles of the body. It also increases circulation and flexibility. When asana’s (yoga’s steady poses) are done with awareness, you not only receive physical benefits, but greater mental concentration and meditation. You can gain mental control with the asana’s since they are always practiced with deep breathing, relaxation, and concentration.  Asana’s also massage and tone the internal organs keeping them functioning at their optimal levels.
2. Proper Breathing:  Yoga teaches you how to breathe properly to fully oxygenate the blood and control the mind. When we’re not breathing fully we deprive our bodies of the proper supply of oxygen, which can create painful tension in the upper back and neck. Most of the blood cells in our lungs reside in the lower portion, so when we don’t take full breaths our blood is not fully oxygenated.  Also, by focusing on the breath the mind begins to calm down.
3.  Proper Relaxation:  This cools the system down and is nature’s way of recharging the body. Remember, rest is nature’s universal prescription for all aliments.  Our body and mind waste precious energy through unnecessary physical and mental tension, which at times, we’re not even aware of since we have become accustom to our patterns. Proper relaxation includes all levels of relaxation: physical, mental, and spiritual.  Everything we do, think, say, or feel requires energy, and by proper relaxation we recharge our bodies preventing fatigue and burning out.
4. Proper Diet:  This provides proper fuel to the body.  Food that is unprocessed and closest to nature (namely organic; free from chemicals and pesticides) gives a proper supply of nutrients to the body.  Processing, refining, and overcooking foods destroy most of the foods value.  Pure, simple, and natural foods that are easily digested are required for a proper diet. The Sun is the source of energy for all of life so by eating foods grown in fresh air with adequate sunlight you provide better fuel for the body.
5. Positive Thinking and Meditaiton: These practices put you in control and purify the intellect. Through training the mind with concentration and steadiness, our negative tendencies are brought under conscious control. This allows us to make better decisions and see the difference between truth and illusion. We become what we think.

These points are a true holistic approach to our whole system of body, mind, and soul giving you the strength and balance necessary to face life’s challenges.  Overcoming our challenges in life are stepping stones for success.

This gentle approach means that Sivananda Yoga is perfect for novices, the elderly, children, or people recovering from serious injuries. Nonetheless, if you are new to Yoga, or are suffering from any serious injuries, you should seek the approval of a qualified medical doctor before venturing into any Yoga class, or other form of exercise. 

Serve, Love, Give, Purify, Meditate, Realize - Swami Sivananda