From Yoga to Pranayama

From Yoga to Pranayama: Relaxing the mind for better health

It is generally impossible to enjoy full well-being without the right balance between body and mind. And this care is the essence of the SHA method, which involves applying disciplines such as Yoga, Pranayama techniques and meditation to exercise the mind.

Only by working on this balance can stress and anxiety levels be reduced to a minimum so that daily challenges can be faced in the most relaxed way possible. Not only that, it improves emotional stability by promoting a state of full awareness and calm.

These are some of the techniques that SHA Wellness Clinic recommends for achieving the perfect balance between body and mind:

1. Yoga, self-realisation and holistic harmony

Yoga is an ancient practice that seeks to promote personal fulfilment and harmony between body, mind and spirit. It is considered the “practice of intention”, a mindful way to approach anything one wishes to cultivate: feeling better, gaining strength, losing weight, becoming more spiritual, managing stress, relieving pain, etc.

For example, scientific studies have found that practising yoga for at least three months helps to reduce cortisol and stress and reduce pro-inflammatory cytokines that cause inflammation.

“Yoga helps to strengthen muscles”, adds Dr. Vicente Mera, head of the Internal Medicine unit at SHA Wellness Clinic. “But, unlike weight training in gyms, it prevents the accumulation of lactic acid in the body, which causes fatigue and pain, and does not reduce flexibility, which is so important when practising yoga”.

2. Meditation, the path to mindfulness and self-realisation

Meditation is considered the supreme state of yoga and therefore the path to mindfulness. A state of balance is achieved through meditation, which helps to maintain physical and emotional well-being.

Scientific studies report benefits such as increased lung capacity, greater physical endurance, increased stamina, improved digestion, treatment of anxiety and better management of emotions.

“Practising meditation delays ageing. Those who do it show increased activity of the enzyme telomerase, responsible for maintaining the ends of chromosomes, the so-called telomeres, which helps delay cellular ageing”, explains Dr Vicente Mera.

3. Pranayama techniques: the power of breath

“Prana” means vital energy. And when breathing is calm, the mind is serene. This technique teaches people how to learn to breathe properly, with benefits such as reducing stress, improving the quality of sleep, increasing the sensation of full consciousness, reducing blood pressure, increasing lung capacity, etc.

“The purpose of Pranayama is to increase the quantity and quality of prana circulation in the body to achieve strength, vitality and health”, says Rachel Rose, specialist in Pranayama techniques at SHA Wellness Clinic.

4. Mindfulness and emotional control

Mindfulness is a Buddhist-inspired relaxation technique that helps to keep emotions under control and to be fully aware of what is happening in the here and now.

It is particularly suited for treating disorders such as depression or anxiety. Studies have shown benefits for a variety of physical and mental conditions, including irritable bowel syndrome, fibromyalgia, psoriasis, anxiety, depression and post-traumatic stress disorder.

The practice of mindfulness is proof of the effect the mind has on physical health. It helps to manage chronic pain, promote healthy eating habits, improve sleep quality and boost the immune system.