An important objective of the Yoga exercises and disciplines is to eliminate the risk factors that form the basis of cardiovascular disease. Poor diet, stress, and lack of adequate exercise are typical factors involved in this disease. Regular practice of the systematically designed Yoga exercises greatly improves cardiac function by stimulating circulation and toning the entire vascular system. Specific breath exercises enhance the absorption of oxygen and promote the elimination of carbon dioxide and other impurities from the body. Gradually the body’s natural state of balance returns as oxygen supply is re-established. The relaxation techniques allow both profound physical and mental relaxation to take place.

It has been found that many people suffer rheumatic changes to the bones, joints, and muscles due to lifestyle factors, such as overeating, high consumption of animal protein and fat, lack of physical exercise and poor posture. All these factors lead to degenerative and inflammatory changes of the muscles and joints, resulting in joint stiffness and the experience of strong pain.

Yoga exercises not only serve as a helpful therapy in relieving existing pain but also act in the prevention of stiffness of the spine and rheumatic changes of the joints. The physical exercises stretch and relax shortened muscles and strengthen weak muscles. This provides corresponding stability and support for the joints. Yoga exercises use the full range of movement of the joints, as far as possible without pain. This greatly improves joint mobility and enhances blood circulation to the joint capsule. The body thereby gradually regains healthy flexibility, in a natural way.

The system of “Yoga in Daily Life” has created the opportunity for western people to experience Yoga in its original and purest form. The longer I practice “Yoga in Daily Life” the fewer questions I have about integrating Yoga into our western culture. Yoga, and here I mean specifically “Yoga in Daily Life”, provides a way to health and harmony. Yoga exercises produce a balance on the physical, mental and social levels. Perfect balance means perfect health and each method or science that strives towards this goal is in harmony with the concept of Yoga.

As I continue to experience the benefits of “Yoga in Daily Life” and its immense value for our health, the need grows in me to allow this knowledge to flow into my work as a Physiotherapist. The number of patients re-admitted for physiotherapy care strengthened my belief that the integration of “Yoga in Daily Life” greatly enriched my therapy.

Regular practice of Yoga will keep the human body vital and healthy into old age. Yoga exercises have a medically demonstrable, stimulating and regulating impact upon all systems of the human body, including the glands, organs and nervous system. They have a purifying and regenerative effect on the entire body. During the practice of the Yoga Asanas, the rhythmic alternation of stretching and contracting individual parts of the body causes blood and lymph to be squeezed out of the vessels. With each contraction, there is a brief reduction in blood supply and then with each stretch, the same area becomes flooded with a fresh supply of blood carrying oxygen and nutrients. In this way, organs and muscles receive optimum nourishment, circulation is improved and there is better elimination of toxins and waste products.