The Benefit of Yoga - Fight or Flight?

Medical conditions can be vastly improved through the benefit of yoga. Yoga can lessen the negative effects of such conditions as lung disease, Parkinson's, insomnia, high blood pressure multiple sclerosis, and even joint pain. The benefit of yoga is being recognized today as a viable alternative not only by the yoga community, but by many medical doctors.

stress is the leading cause in many illnesses today. An astonishing factor in today's world is noted by the Surgeon General who estimates that "80 percent of the people who die of non traumatic causes actually die of stress diseases". In this fast paced world, it is little wonder that people are turning to alternative solutions.

The use of the benefit of yoga is just one such solution. Since stress is developed in the mind, it is only natural that conditions such as depression, anxiety, obsessive-compulsive disorder, several auto-immune diseases, some types of diabetes mellitius, some cardio-vascular diseases, and irritable bowel syndrome would be at the forefront of human conditions and the quality of life today.

Outside stress is reflected in the reaction of our nervous system. The input stimuli, known as "Fight or flight" affects both our metabolism and well being. When faced with danger, whether real or imagined, the mind prepares the body for execution of one of these two conditions. Manifestation is in the form of increased heart rate, higher blood pressure, and the shutting down of unnecessary bodily functions, such as digestion. All systems are focused on one of two things - either "flight" or "fight." Breathing becomes shallow, muscles tense in anticipation of action, and blood flow to vital organs is decreased. The digestive and elimination process shuts down. This can be a good thing - our body is prepared to defend itself.

However, problems arise when this condition is long term. The "flight or fight" scenario is only meant to be a very short term event. One can see that long term exposure to this situation will have very adverse effects on the body. Yoga can change that.

In nature, the countermeasure for "fight or flight" is known as the "relaxation response" or parasympathetic nervous system. The main nerves of the parasympathetic system are the tenth cranial nerves, or the vagus nerves. They originate in the medulla oblongata. Parasympathetic stimulation causes a slowing down of the heartbeat, lowering of blood pressure, increased blood flow to the skin and viscera, and peristalsis of the GI tract - the exact opposite of "fight or Flight" symptoms. yoga induces this response by teaching the pupil to breathe deeply and relax muscles. The benefit of yoga is clear. The body recovers faster, and the harmful effects of stress are reduced.

Yoga subscribes to the theory that by using breathing and relaxation techniques, the harmful effects of stress on the body can be eliminated, or at the very least greatly reduced. Through meditation and calming of the spirit, yoga teaches us to face the situation of "fight or flight" from a threat to a challenge. One is able through practice to focus on finding a solution, rather than creating an immediate response to the stimuli. One learns to be proactive, and take care of the stressors in their lives.

The benefit of yoga is undeniable. By utilizing the techniques of this ancient practice, anyone can achieve the balance and harmony so needed in their lives. Remember, however, that just one thing is not the solution to all of life's problems. By combining yoga with the miracles of modern medicine and traditional healing remedies, the average person in today's world will enjoy a longer, happier life.

Alden Smith is a published and award winning author who has built the website http://www.benefitofyoga.blogspot.com to inform and educate the person wishing to learn more about the benefit of yoga.

Iyengar Yoga Video

Tiger Woods Prepares To Tackle Winged Foot For 2006 US Open

Since his third place finish at the augusta national in the Masters on April 9th, Tiger woods has not played. Since the passing of tigers father Earl woods, things have been more of a reality check for the PGA's Megastar. Tiger woods does,however, intend on playing at the US open between the 15th-18th of June.

Tuesday Tiger woods was just outside Little rock, at the Alotian club where he made his first appearance that was related to golf. woods was giving to his younger fan base, as there was a clinic for the Inaugural jackson T. Stephens Charitable golf tournament. Children from the Stephens supported charities watched and listened to this golf, great as he offered advice to young golfers on the mechanics of swings.

Tiger did play a round of golf in N.Y. at the famous Winged foot course located in Mamaroneck, N.Y., which is a very good indication that he intends on attending the late June event. Tiger definitely feels that his game needs work, and this is as good a place as any to start the process, of rebuilding his confidence.

Tiger knows as well as anyone, you must drive well at the US open, there is no margin for error, and the roster of contestants is tough. Taking time off for the mourning of his father on the third of May 2006, gave Tiger woods some rust, he knows it and plans on fixing it. Not only does he need work on his driving, his irons are in need of a serious distance check as well. All part of his master plan, we can be sure of this. look forward to seeing Tiger on the course, and making the crowd happy.

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