As we embark on the final month of summer, we are (down) shifting gears to a theme that is considered a natural part of summer, but which, in reality, may not always so easy to find. . . Rest.
Yoga's ability to help us rest is multidimensional. At the most basic level, Yoga Asana helps our body rest more deeply by relieving muscular tension; As we increase our strength and flexibility we also allow our muscles to release more deeply following their intense engagement. Beyond this muscular loosening, the postures combined with conscious breathing stimulates our parasympathetic nervous system (the body's "rest and digest" function) by activating the vagus nerve. Many of the postures such as bridge pose and shoulder stand directly stimulate the vagus nerve through gentle compression and stretching of the neck, as does the diaphragmatic breathing we engage in while practicing. And deeper still, many poses, such as forward bends and twists, promote blood flow and oxygen to the brain, which can further help to lower stress and help both mind and body relax further.
With sustained practice Yoga can actually enhance the resilience of the nervous system by improving its ability to adapt to stress. Common balance poses and inversions (like tree pose and shoulder stand) challenge the nervous system to maintain equilibrium, thereby strengthening its adaptive capacity and even increasing heart rate variability (an indicator of a healthy nervous system associated with better emotional regulation.)
Yoga is an embodied, sensory way to immediately increase our physiological relaxation, strengthen our nervous systems, and even rewire our minds. If the days of your summer have been everything but "Lazy", join us, in Ease, on the mat.
Erica Barth
Owner, Harlem Yoga Studio
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