More Yogic Stress Management Solutions

When studying Yoga under the guidance of a competent Yoga teacher, we learn many techniques, which enhance the qualities of daily life. All forms of Yoga have viable solutions for stress management.

Yet, stress is literally killing the masses, because chronic stress taxes the immune system. An immune system, which has low resistance, is an invitation to many of the diseases, which commonly plague humankind.

On the other hand, short-term stress can stimulate our immune systems. A little bit of stress can make us stronger, while overwhelming stress will surely shorten our life spans. Recent studies indicate that stress hormones, secreted from the adrenal glands, are the body's natural response for protecting the immune system.

However, the over production of stress hormones, such as cortisol, can bring about many negative effects such as impaired learning, abdominal fat, blood sugar imbalances, reduction in muscle tissue, decreased bone density, and much more.

In fact, the list of potential health problems, from over production of cortisol, is quite large. Increased abdominal fat places us in a higher risk category, when considering a potential heart attack or stroke. Therefore, a little cortisol, in response to short term stress is fine, but too much cortisol will most likely shorten our lives.

Getting a minimum of seven hours of sleep per night is a very big help for reducing cortisol production. So, how can Yoga help us? Solutions for insomnia, such as: Yogic breathing techniques (Pranayama), relaxation techniques, meditation methods, and walking meditation, are often taught in Yoga schools. Regular Yoga practice will help anyone sleep better. Steady Yoga practice brings about many positive lifestyle changes. The physical forms of Yoga contain low impact exercises, which heal the body and mind.

Meditation, stage-by-stage relaxation, and body scanning techniques, are often taught at the end of Hatha, Raja, and Kundalini Yoga classes. These techniques result in peace of mind and create a state of inner-tranquility, within the Yoga student. Regular Yoga practice will reduce daily stress, raise your immune system, and increase the quality of life.

Karma Yoga, which focuses on helping others through selfless service, can be very gratifying. When we help people in need, we often realize how small our daily problems are in comparison to others.

To live an extra ten years, in a nursing home, is not the prospect any of us envision for a quality life. The student, who practices any form of Yoga, for life, is often mobile and independent - well into the later stages of life.

© Copyright 2007 - Paul Jerard / Aura Publications

Paul Jerard, E-RYT 500, has written many books on the subject of Yoga. He is a co-owner and the Director of Yoga Teacher Training at: Aura Wellness Center, in Attleboro, MA. riyoga.com riyoga.com He has been a certified Master Yoga Teacher since 1995. To receive a Free Yoga e-Book: "Yoga in Practice," and a Free Yoga Newsletter, please visit: yoga-teacher-training.org/index.html yoga-teacher-training.org/index.html