Anyone who makes a habit of going to the gym, unfurling a yoga mat or hiking in the woods is privy to a secret known only to the physically active: The rewards of exercise extend far beyond slimming down or adding muscle tone. Dozens of subtle changes visibly revamp the body and the psyche in ways scientists are only beginning to understand.
Yoga is a really strenuous exercise which works every muscle in the body, however, it is done quite slowly and so you do not really sweat as much as you would do with other more active exercises. This is great news for people with acne as it can often provide really good benefits for the condition, and it can sometimes also even clear it up. As every muscle in your body is worked, it helps to keep them toned and that in turn keeps the skin firm. Overall, yoga is excellent for the skin and it can also provide good benefits for people with blemishes and even acne. As well as benefits to the skin, yoga provides benefits for the whole body and it can be practiced by both males and females. So, if you are looking for an exercise to keep you in shape, decrease your stress and keep your skin looking healthy and toned no matter what your age, yoga is definitely for you!
Yoga, the series of exercises and breathing, was invented many thousands of years ago in India. Yoga is to keep the glands, the nerves and the whole system functioning very healthily, without medicine, and keep it highly sensitive. And the body needs to be sensitive otherwise you cannot have a very clear brain. If you stuff yourself with wine, meat and all the rest of it, how can your brain function clearly? Your smoking and drugs become such superficial immediate satisfaction without any understanding of what is beyond.
The traditional and non-competitive approach of Yoga practice – comprising the Five Points of Yoga outlined below – helps one to be fully at home in one’s body, with oneself and the world.
- PROPER EXERCISE
The whole body exists as an organic unity, in a deep rhythm of its own. Yoga exercises release all sorts of accumulated toxins from the body. Stretching stimulates receptors in the nervous system that decrease the production of stress hormones. Asana practice enhances the flexibility of the joints, muscles, tendons, and ligaments and stimulates circulation. Flexibility and strength of the spine keep the body youthful.
- PROPER BREATHING
Conscious breathing allows one to notice one’s surroundings, to pay attention to oneself and decompress. It connects the body to its battery, the solar plexus, which is a storehouse of energy. Stress and depression can be overcome by breathing more deeply with increased awareness.
- PROPER RELAXATION
Taking time to relax means taking time out of one’s busy life to pay attention to the body and mind. Conscious relaxation techniques relieve the body of existing stress symptoms and also helps develop resilience against external stress factors. Once body and mind are freed from constant overload, they are at ease and perform more efficiently.
- PROPER DIET
The right diet is eating in tune with your body’s and nature’s rhythms. It promotes health and has a balancing effect on the body and mind. A yogic diet is natural, simple to prepare, easy to digest, calming for the mind and causes the least harm to other living beings and the environment.
- COGNITIVE TRANSFORMATION & MEDITATION
Eliminates negative thought patterns by becoming aware of hidden unconscious mental and emotional patterns through mindfulness and inquiry. This is the way to Inner Peace.
