Yoga is an activity used for relaxation and exercise therapy. Yoga originated as a school of thought in the Hindu religion with the objective of helping people attain a higher level of spirituality and peace of mind. People who practise yoga conform to a specific code of ethics and system of mental and physical exercises that promote control of the mind and the body.

In this part of the world, many of us are not aware of the strong connection between yoga and religion. Some people are only familiar with the exercise portion of yoga.

Yoga has gained some momentum as more of us recognise its benefits. It is used extensively as a part of a battery of exercises in stress-management routines. However, it is also used independently for a multiplicity of purposes. The typical yoga routine includes a combination of postural configurations .The practice of extensive use of the diaphragm during breathing is re-hearsed with music to facili-tate relaxa-tion and meditation. In achieving the desired levels of relaxation and meditation, the biological effects of stress can then be resolved with great success.

Relieves stress

Some people pursue yoga exercises for their potential to dispel stress, which they realise via an improvement in their self-esteem, clearing the mind, slowing respiration, promoting neuromuscular relaxation, and increasing body awareness. These exercises help control involuntary body functions, such as the heart rate, blood pressure, oxygen consumption and metabolic rate, depending on the goals established. Yoga exercises are used astutely to help increase flexibility, strength, endurance and balance with the application of static and dynamic muscle contraction.

The relaxation response

Yoga exercises also allow a great deal of versatility. Yoga has been used to treat drug tolerance, drug dependency and insomnia. It has also been used in the detection and prevention of injury.

Research points to the slowing down and even reversal of atherosclerosis as a therapeutic benefit of yoga.

There are different styles of yoga. Depending on the emphasis, some styles of yoga are intended for athletic prowess, while others are less dynamic.

Hatha yoga

The most popular variety in the Western world is hatha yoga, which incorporates a series of static stretching postures performed in a specific sequence that helps induce the relaxation response. The postures are held for several seconds while participants concentrate on breathing pattern, meditation and body awareness. Many of the typical stretches used in flexibility exercises currently have been adapted from hatha yoga.

We are more likely to enjoy yoga exercises as well as get better results when they are performed in a quiet place for 15 to 60 minutes per session. To appreciate yoga exercises, a hands-on experience is the ideal route. Individuals who are interested in yoga exercises should pursue its practice under the tutelage of a qualified instructor.

Dr Kenneth Gardner is an exercise physiologist at Holiday Hills Research Center; email: yourhealth@gleanerjm.com.