Hatha Yoga and Our Nervous System: Benefits &Poses
There is rarely a soul on this planet who would give yoga a bad review. Unless anyone is physically unable to perform any poses, yoga is a practice that benefits everyone profoundly!
Consisting of asanas and breathing techniques, yoga has benefits directly related to the nervous system. If we talk about hatha yoga, it consists of postures that aim to balance and relax the nervous systems through stretching and breathing. Hatha yoga is practiced to balance both the sun & moon, yin & yang, and both the nervous systems. Hatha yoga is an excellent start for your yoga journey as it consists of posters that flow in a structured manner without straining the muscles and nervous system.
Gentle hatha yoga is highly beneficial for opening up the muscles without overstretching them. While practicing hatha yoga, the body seamlessly navigates from one pose to another in a definite flow that lets the body relax between poses and adjust the body before getting comfortable in a particular posture.
Read along to find out more about hatha yoga, its functioning, and the several benefits it poses for the smooth functioning of our nervous system.
Yoga & Nervous System
Our nervous system consists of two parts- the central nervous system, which consists of our brain and spinal cord, and the peripheral nervous system, which links the organs, limbs, and nerves to the Central nervous system. Motor nerves originate from the spine and direct our movement, while sensory nerves lead back and forth to the brain and accomplish appropriate responses to our outer and inner environments.
Yoga is for your brain and the spine. Any movement in yoga originates from the spine, and it works not only on the spinal muscles and vertebral discs but also maintains healthy spinal fluid. The brain is no longer a fixed entity and can be remodeled through asanas and mindfulness.
How Postures help with ease and stillness
The fruits of stretching cannot be overlooked. Stretching lowers our nervous system, and yoga gives our body a unique way to stretch. It is said that if you practice asana with mindfulness, ease, and breathwork, you can release the past stress held by your muscles.
Yoga poses that alternate between active and restful poses or between quick and slow breaths teach us how to efficiently use nerve responses, which helps us develop a resilient nervous system.
The vagus nerve, the longest cranial nerve, links the heart and the main abdominal organs with the brain. Hence., specific poses, such as back bends and breathing, help to tone this nerve and promote a more relaxed and well-being feeling.
Breath & Consciousness
Our nervous system functions mainly with our conscious control essentially, but yoga is all about our consciousness. It has even been proved that adept yogis can control and regulate their heart rate at will! It might not be possible for many of us, but we still know that when our mind is disturbed, the breath flow changes, our heart races, and our body stiffens. So, if we guide our breath into a steady pattern, the body goes into a state of relaxation that acts as feedback for the mind to get calmer.
Yogis knew that breath was the primary means to induce stillness in our bodies. Hence, Pranayam is a yogic technology between the body, breath, and mind.
Benefits of hatha yoga on our nervous system
Here are some health benefits to your body and mind that you can get from regularly practicing hatha yoga:
Strengthen your core muscles:
Core muscles are present in your pelvis, sides, back, and abdomen. Hatha yoga strengthens your core muscles by indulging your body in holding poses that engage the core and activate it. Poses such as warrior pose and plank pose benefit the core muscles.
Core muscles are essential for the overall smooth functioning of your body as they help prevent lower back pain and prevent chances of back injury.
Improve your sleep cycle:
Practice hatha yoga to improve your sleep cycle. Hatha yoga reduces the levels of cortisol in your body. Cortisol is a hormone related to our sleep cycle. Low levels of cortisol signals our body that it's time to sleep. So, hatha yoga before bed can induce a good night's sleep. It also emphasizes mindful breathing and relaxation that helps our body and mind to relax before sleeping.
Manage stress:
Hatha yoga can help to relax and de-stress. Doing hatha yoga can influence our nervous and endocrine systems, which affect the release of hormones and blood pressure changes. Hatha yoga tends to lower cortisol levels and blood pressure, which helps the body and mind to release stress. Hatha yoga also results in improved confidence levels.
Poses for better nervous system
Here are some beginner-friendly hatha yoga poses that you can practice to benefit your nervous system:
Wide Child Pose:
This asana focuses on the shoulders, back, and neck, where one usually tends to hold stress. Child pose also encourages a steady and even breathing pattern that helps one to declutter their head and relax their nerves and body.
Leg Up the Wall:
Look for a calm area in your home with minimal distractions to practice this pose. This pose readily relaxes the lower back and also reduces anxiety symptoms. Leg up the wall pose helps to restore the body and mind.
Bridge Pose:
In the bridge pose, your body uses all your limbs. This can be performed dynamically or restoratively. One can use it to strengthen or relax. Bridge pose is about ease and breathing and does not require much effort and struggle. It can be even more relaxing and rejuvenating when a block supports the sacrum.
Eagle Pose:
The Eagle pose is a hip opener with a lot of stretch. It engages and strengthens the nervous system. It also tests your physical and mental awareness. Focusing on a fixed spot while trying to balance can increase your concentration and bring you to the present moment.
Mountain Pose:
The Mountain Pose is an excellent pose for people who tend to slouch or bend over when walking or sitting. When this asana is done daily, the back pain resulting from the hunched posture eventually disappears, improving overall posture and assisting with naturally standing tall. It serves as a therapeutic yoga pose.
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Meditation, breathwork, postures and disciplines, and many more aspects of well-being are included in our customized plans. We serve as yourhealth coachto help you have a holistic approach towards your health.
