What Could Be The Effect Of Yoga On Our Nervous System?
There are tons of article on the internet that explains the benefits of yoga. Some say it helps in weight loss, treats chronic pain, builds muscles, etc. It is also a stress buster, confidence booster and minds calmer for some people. This shows that yoga benefits the body and the mind both. But did you ever thought about how yoga affects the nervous system? The following article will help you understand how the nervous system works and the effect of yoga on it.
Nervous System
The nervous system is divided into the peripheral nervous system (PNS) and the central nervous system (CNS). The CNS comprises the brain and spinal cord whereas PNS comprises nerves that connect CNS to the other body parts.
The body uses a combination of these two to communicate with each other. The functioning of the nervous system CNS is further sub-divided into two parts: the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous system.
The sympathetic nervous system maintains homeostasis in the body and is in charge of the fight or flight response. On the other hand, the parasympathetic nervous system is capable of supporting functions such as breathing, digestion, saliva formation, blinking, etc. Moreover, the activated parasympathetic nervous system Lowers blood pressure and heart rate. When you work on the daily rituals you bring the sympathetic nervous system into function. The excess use of this part of the brain brings extreme stress and produces a great amount of cortisol.
The production of this hormone affects the brain. It slows down the reflexes, disables the ability to focus, and weakens the memory and eventually affects mental health. In order to control the increasing amount of cortisol hormone, the brain intentionally activates the parasympathetic nervous system. Your nervous system is balanced due to this natural reflex of the CNS. If the parasympathetic nervous system doesn’t get activated, it is a matter of concern.
Effects of yoga on the nervous system
It can be corrected or maintained by practising yoga consistently. Balancing the nervous system yoga poses or breathing exercises taught during yoga courses in Nepal increase the coordination between the mind and body. Practising 8 limbs of yoga allow nerve transmission from the body to the brain which relieves mental and muscular tension.
This eventually results in effective activation of the parasympathetic nervous system. To balance the entire nervous system and support sufficient functioning, include breathing exercise in your yoga workout routine. Since it is crucial to keep the nervous system balanced, you must enrol for yoga courses in Nepal as they have a specialized sequence to help you maintain the same.
Exercises to strengthen the nervous system if you are stuck in a hectic life because of work, you may start practicing the below-mentioned exercises to strengthen the nervous system:
Balasana (Child’s Pose):
Practising this pose stretches your nerves and the spine that relaxes rejuvenates the mind and body and increases the energy levels.
Halasana (Plow Pose):
This pose increases the blood circulation predominantly in the brain, calms the sympathetic nervous system and eventually de-stresses the mind.
Anulom vilom (Alternate Nostril Breathing):
This breathing exercise boosts the concentration of the nerves for speedy data processing in the brain and body. It also improves the sensory and motor reflexes by enhancing the performance of the CNS.
SuptaBaddhaKonasana (Reclining Bound Angle Pose):
This pose increases the blood flow and calms the mind by relieving stress and anxiety. Also, cure mild depression in a few cases
DirghaShwasana (Deep Breathing):
You can see an immediate effect on your brain if you practice breathing exercise. It decreases the level of the sympathetic nervous system by reducing the heart rate. Once you start practising at home you may also plan for a yoga retreat in Nepal which brings you a step forward in your personal yoga training.
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