Yoga means "UNION" interpreted as the union of mind, body, breath and spirit
Yoga's short term effects: The practice of yoga
increases alpha waves (relaxation response)
and theta waves (unconscious memory and
emotion)by forty percent after just one class.
Yoga has been found to increase brain
chemicals such as endorphins and seratonin
that contribute to a feel-good response.
Practicing yoga reduces the stress hormone
cortisol, lowers blood pressure and increases
lung functioning. This allows the mind to stay
focused and alert, yet the body is relaxed and
calm.
Medical benefits of yoga: Research has
shown yoga to improve concentration
and creativity, muscle tone and
flexibility, strength and stamina. It
reduces stress and tension and boosts
self esteem.
The science of positive mental health:
A daily yoga practice will bring your
physical body and your emotional
self into balance, restoring a sense of
well being and energy.
Depression and yoga:
Depression is defined
as the "feeling of
separation from self".
It manifests as our
inability to be present
for the experience of
life. Yoga teaches self
awareness without
judgement.
Depression is an
obstacle of that belief,
if one can take a step
back and observe
their mood that is self
awareness. From
there one can better
manage and even
over come depression
by developing a yoga
practice suited for
them.
Suicide caused by depression:
Suicide is third leading cause
of death for teenagers and
young adults between the
ages of fifteen and twenty
four. Almost all teens who take
their own lives have been
diagnosed with depression
and or anxiety. Yoga has been
shown to be an effective
method in  fighting
depression. This practice
increases oxygen circulating
through the system, fighting
lethargy and pessimism.
Positive outcome of yoga: The yoga I
teach enables everyone to appreciate
their body for being able to move into
difficult postures, they feel strong
and confident. With the practice of
mindful breathing they are taught to
focus and calm down before reacting
in a situation.
Why Practice yoga
Now combining yoga and stories
to teach children to love and
respect themselves and others.
This brings out a childs
imaginative side and allows them
to picture themselves in these
stories.
Story topics:

love,hope,
fear,
empathy,
compassion,
anger
resolution,
confidence,
goals,
dreams,
self esteem.
My friend, Emily La Rusch
hypnotherapist and hypno- birth instructor
mbsawakening