Why we do in a yoga class...

Twists:
Has a "squeeze-and-soak" action:  The organs are compressed during the twist, pushing out blood filled with toxins.  When we release the twist, fresh blood flows in, carrying  new oxygen, new nutrients .   Twists stimulate circulation and have a cleansing and refreshing effect on the torso organs and glands.

Backbends:
Energize, refresh and invigorate the body. Open the chest,  encouraging proper breathing. Backbends realign the spine, counteracting and re-teaching the body’s poor postures.      Helps to build confidence and self-esteem 

Forward bends:
Give an internal massage as well as improve the circulation to the various organs in the abdomen: stomach,  pancreas, liver, intestines and kidneys. Reduces stress, anxiety, depression and fatigue   -  Calms the mind and soothes the nerves.  -   Relieves tension in the spine, neck and back   - Improves digestion.

Inversions – Downward facing dog:
Retrieves blood from your legs and lower torso, carrying it upwards against the force of gravity.    Inversion allows your body to work with gravity to ease the circulation process. 

Inversions provide a lymphatic wash. The lymphatic system has no pump, putting the body upside down helps speed up the process of removing waste from the body.

•        Inverted poses are extremely important because they reverse the action of gravity on the body and get the blood and lymph flowing in opposite directions.

•        Increases blood flow to the top of the body, improving brain function and cognition and reduces anxiety and depression.

•        Takes pressure off the heart, which has to work less to get blood flowing to the brain.

•        On an emotional level helps us to see things from a different angle and perspective.

Shavasana /Savasana:
Shavasana is perhaps the most important part of yoga practice.    It is an integration phase where the effects of the practice are allowed to take hold and penetrate deep into the self of the practitioner.

After the exertions of the practice, Shavasana allows the body a chance to regroup and reset itself.  It is intended to rejuvenate body, mind and spirit.

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