"Everyone can benefit from practicing yoga. It can be used to manage stress, prepare for childbirth, recover from injuries or improve health and fitness. It can give one a philosophical perspective of life, bring tranquillity and mental strength. There is no one who cannot benefit from its practice.
"Mr. Iyengar states that modern western life has brought tremendous benefits but also its own perils. The elimination of the drudgery in our lives has left us with an immobile, sedentary lifestyle, where the intellect holds sway over the body in the pursuit of happiness. But the lack of natural exercise in our lives has left many people with chronic health and stress problems, especially as they get older. Yoga enables the student to find relief from these physical ailments and to strengthen the body and make it more supple.
"When you practice yoga you will find that it works on all levels of the body, mind and spirit.
"Physically as a beginner, you will experience the practice of yoga as a form of physical exercise that enables you to improve your strength, flexibility, stamina and balance. However, more than other forms of exercise you will also feel an increased sense of well being and vitality as the body is exercised organically – the inner organs, circulation, joint action etc. are all worked so as to improve their function and efficiency. One thus overcomes many symptoms of an imbalanced modern life, such as headaches, stiff necks, lower backache, insomnia and digestive disorders, and to harness one's energy bringing vitality to everyday activities. Thus health as opposed to merely fitness improves also.
"As one progresses with yoga one becomes aware of this occurring within one's self also. Silva, Mira and Shyam Mehta state that 'From the psychological viewpoint, yoga sharpens the intellect and aids concentration. It steadies the emotions and encourages a caring concern for others. Above all, it gives hope. The practice of breathing techniques calms the mind. Its philosophy sets life in perspective. In the realm of the spiritual, yoga brings awareness and the ability to be still. Through meditation, inner peace is experienced. Thus yoga is a practical philosophy involving every aspect of a person's being. It teaches the evolution of the individual by the development of self-discipline and self-awareness.'
"So, by the practice of yoga, an athlete can become a better athlete, a teacher a better teacher, an accountant a better accountant. One of B.K.S. Iyengar's students, the violinist Yehudi Menuhin acknowledged his Guru not as his best yoga teacher but also his best violin teacher. 'Yoga is like music. The rhythm of the body, the melody of the mind, and the harmony of the soul, create the symphony of life.'"
- Excerpt from www.iyengar-yoga.com
Massage Benefits
• Increases circulation as it brings new oxygen and nutrients to the blood supply.
• Flushes lactic and uric acid, as well as other metabolic waste out of the bodies tissues.
• Stimulates the skin and nervous system to reduce emotional and physical stress.
• Takes the nervous system from a sympathetic to a parasympathetic state (restful, relaxed state).
• Increases flexibility and range of motion in the muscles.
• Alleviates muscle stiffness, tension and cramping.
• Promotes a healthy sleep cycle.
• Combats depression by allowing the body to release it's own natural endorphins.
• Helps to stabilize hormone levels.
• Speeds up recovery time following surgery, injury or trauma.