With aging comes sitting. Sometimes far too long, others just more than we should. Whether through health concerns, or sheer boredom, chair yoga for seniors help counter some of the most common problems of aging.
Among the most common health concerns are:
- Heart disease
- Arthritis
- Diabetes
- Osteoporosis
- Pneumonia
On the more serious of aging diseases, there's
- Alzheimer's disease
- Parkinson's disease
- Cancer
Some of which chair yoga can be beneficial in preventing.
The one major aggressor on the body and the mind is stress, and that is the first benefit you get with chair yoga.
Through the breathing technique used (Ujjayi) you can enhance blood circulation, and strengthen your immune system.
Using the breathing technique brings your mind into what researchers of sleep refer to as the alpha state.
The best way to use that is to stay in that state of mind for a little while after you've done your chair yoga exercises.
It brings you into the alpha state of mind during the session, and by staying in that state for just 15 minutes after you've done the different yoga exercises, using just your chair, you can direct the energy into the right channels.
That will help you reduce stress levels significantly.
Some who practice chair yoga regularly say it leaves you feeling more relaxed than after an afternoon cat nap.
Inhaling and exhaling through your nose is the first thing to do.
As you do, just stretch your arms, let them dangle freely by your side, and gently move each of your fingers. Open and close your eyes every few breaths.
Important: Chair yoga will not work without the breathing technique to calm your mind
It doesn't matter how many stretches and poses you do, if you don't have the breathing right to enter the alpha state.
It takes a conscious effort to slowly drift into that deep state of relaxation.
The best way to embrace it is using visualisation each time you close your eyes.
Sitting on your chair with your back straight, hands on your lap, exhale deeply but slowly from the diaphragm with your hands on your lap.
Feel the oxygen push your stomach out and up through your chest to fill your lungs, and then slowly let all that air go.
The more you exhale slowly and feel your stomach deflate, you'll feel the stress of life go with it.
Engage your senses
- Listen to the sound of your breathing
- Picture the still waters of the blue ocean and the calm white waves
- Feel the air move through your body
Make it a habit to practice deep breathing exercises daily, and that alone will help strengthen your immune system.
This type of breathing calms the mind, reducing stress levels, and helps keep the brain active for longer.
With the brain engaged more, you can then use chair yoga to connect the mind and body for a completely new and revitalised you.
For a free demonstration on chair yoga exercises, click the link to visit www.squidoo.com/benefits-of-chair-yoga and learn what chair yoga can do for you today.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Robbie_Bowman
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