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The first technique in hatha yoga involves the asanas, or postures - specific body movements and holds. Whereas exercises involve only movements and holding the body in a stationary position. During the movement and the holding period breathing is deep, rhythmic, and synchronized. While all muscles are relaxed, a particular set of muscles will also be stretched. For example, in the spinal twist the muscles adjacent to the other side of the spine are relaxed. After the hold of the asana which, in a class, may take two to three minutes, the student rests on his back for approximately one and a half minutes. The rest pose after each asana is very important because it allows new energy to flow back into the affected area. A unique aspect of yoga is the self-manipulation of the spine. It has been said that one is as young as his spine. Yoga is the only health system which pays attention to spine culture. By stretching the spine in all directions a proper curvature is maintained and flexibility is increased. The spine is a battery supplying the power for each and every organ. The stretching if the ligaments surrounding the spine massages the motor, sensory, and visceral nerve roots and releases new energy into the body. No yoga practitioner should develop dislocated vertebral discs or any of the common spine related ailments or back problems that often lead us into the office of an orthopedic physician or chiropractor. Another unique feature of certain asanas is the inverted position, such as the shoulder stand and the head stand. In these poses the entire body is inverted upwards. These positions have a particularly salutary effect on the circulatory and respiratory systems. Since humans stand upright and erect with the weight presses downward on both feet, the heart must pump the blood from the veins against the force of gravity from the areas below the heart to the heart and lungs for reoxygenation. In the inverted postures the work is the heart is relieved as blood flows by its own force back to the heart. Likewise, blood in the veins that may have become congested in the legs and in such organs as the liver, is allowed to recirculate. Varicose veins are avoided. Greater circulation to the brain improves and stimulates brain functioning and also such senses as sight, hearing and perception. The headstand strengthens the cervical and thoracic parts of the spine, and relieves pressure on the lumbar and sacral parts of the vertebral column. Both shoulderstand and headstand promote the stimulation and functioning of such endocrine glands as the thyroid, pineal and pituitary, which glands are so important to our metabolism, control over emotions, and warding off of disease. The second technique utilized in hatha yoga is proper breathing and breath control. The science of control of energy through breathing is called "pranayama". We derive most of the energy from air and not from food as commonly believed. During vigorous sports the lungs are worked to capacity, but often unsystematically and often with jerky movements. The increased oxygen needed and taken in is quickly consumed by the constant loss of energy in such exercised and aerobic sports. The breathing in yoga is nasal, deep and rhythmic, with a slow and steady inhalation and an even slower controlled exhalation. Unless the lung cavity can be emptied it cannot be filled. The slow controlled exhalation expels the stale "bad" air, and the vacuum created allows for a large volume of fresh "good" air to be drawn into the lungs. Deep yogic breathing has an amazing positive effect on all the important body systems - digestive, circulatory, respiratory, glandular and nervous systems. More and better quality of oxygen is circulated to every cell. The work of the heart is eased as blood containing waste materials is drawn more easily back up to the heart and lungs for reoxygenation. By increased diaphragm movement the digestive organs, heart and lungs are further massaged. If we sit at our desks a great deal of the time, we are prone to lean over with chest cavity bent, hampering and restricting the expansion of the thorax and curtailing the input of oxygen. We usually inflate but a half a quart area of the lungs, although their capacity is approximately five quarts. Stale air encourages colds and other respiratory ailments. <<<<Page 1 Page 3>>>> |