It is estimated that tens of thousands of people practice yoga in Poland. What is its phenomenon? We talk to Lidia Chrzczanowicz, a yoga teacher, about why it is worth practicing yoga.

Why do people practice yoga?In the West, yoga is mainly a form of gymnastics without a worldview. It focuses on the physical, he alth and therapeutic aspects. People sign up for classes primarily wanting to improve their he alth, well-being and fitness.

How is yoga different from other gymnastic systems?

  • Lidia Chrzczanowicz: Yoga is something more. It is a method of personal development that allows you to live in harmony with yourself and the environment. The word "yoga" comes from Sanskrit and means "to connect", "to merge". Yoga takes place on three levels of a human being: physical, mental and mental, and it integrates them with itself. In addition to physical exercises called asanas, yoga includes working with the mind, meditation, concentration, breathing techniques and internal cleansing. For some, it becomes a deep spiritual experience and lifestyle. For others, a method of improving the body.

Rehabilitators recommend yoga to people with back problems

  • L.C .: Right. Yoga can have a therapeutic effect on the spine by strengthening and elasticizing the appropriate muscle groups. Properly selected asanas correct the figure and soothe back pain. Asanas generally strengthen the muscles and make the joints more flexible. They accelerate the metabolism and the flow of body fluids. They improve blood circulation and cleanse the body by massaging the internal organs. Breathing asanas also help to relieve internal tensions, stimulate and stimulate the body. They have something to "offer" to each organ system and motor apparatus.

Each asana affects a different organ?

  • L.C .: We have several groups of asanas. The basic positions are standing poses that have a warming effect, quickly give the body flexibility, mainly strengthen the lower limbs. Seating positions are also important, as they unlock the hips, groin, and knees and give them flexibility. A separate group of asanas are inverted asanas, which have a beneficial effect on the nervous system and improve the functions of the endocrine system. Back bends -difficult, but they perfectly "nourish" the spine.

Yoga is believed to be particularly beneficial for women as it balances the hormone balance

  • L.C .: According to mythology, yoga was created by the god Śiva for his wife in order to keep her eternal youth, beautiful body and joy of life. One of the mainstays of yoga is hormonal yoga, which consists of a series of exercises combined with a breathing technique. Asanas from this group are to stimulate the work of the female endocrine glands and thus harmonize the hormonal balance. These exercises reduce the symptoms of the menstrual cycle, e.g. cramps in the lower abdomen or premenstrual syndrome, and also relieve menopausal symptoms, e.g. hot flashes, palpitations, sleep disorders, decreased libido.

Those who have tried yoga are often surprised that with so little effort you can achieve such excellent psychophysical effects

  • L.C .: I call it the yoga phenomenon. These are not very intense, forceful exercises that develop specific muscle groups. The asanas, although static, are nevertheless full of internal dynamics. They are perfectly balanced, they develop the whole body, but not only. They allow you to calm down and regenerate. They calm the mind and give a sense of inner balance.

How?

  • L.C .: Yoga shows you how to deal with stress through movement. Exercise changes the body biochemistry. There is an increase in the level of neurotransmitters in the brain. The production of the happiness hormone, endorphins, starts. On a purely physical level, yoga poses also help to relieve muscle tension, which brings relief and relaxation. Additionally, performing asanas forces concentration of attention. In order to focus on doing the exercises, we need to calm down, cut off the stress stimuli. I always tell my students: "Leave the outside world and problems behind the door of the practice room, live in the present moment and find yourselves» here and now «."

Yoga is a panacea for all troubles?

  • L.C .: Nobody will solve them for us. However, practicing yoga regularly improves your well-being, strengthens your self-esteem, and allows you to meet the challenges of the crazy pace of modern life. It is not groundless. My students say that yoga draws energy for life, they feel better, more beautiful physically and spiritually. Thanks to her, they woke up. They realized that they had needs, so far deeply suppressed. There was an inner change in them. The appetite for life, the desire for self-improvement, searching for …

How to practice yoga: under the supervision of a teacher, from DVDs, from books?

  • L.C .: Nothing can replace a personal onecontact with the teacher, especially at the beginning. To work effectively, the asanas must be performed with jewelry precision. It requires long, systematic work. Only the teacher can correct and control us effectively. And also help gradually prepare our body to perform increasingly difficult positions. For me, sessions consist of a sequence of related exercises. Their order is essential. It is a method of taking small steps to reach the goal of a more difficult asana at the end of the meeting, which is the crowning achievement of previous positions. Of course, once we reach a certain level of sophistication and awareness in yoga, we can practice ourselves at home. Ideally, systematically, at regular hours.

Are there any contraindications for practicing yoga?

  • L.C .: There isn't. Yoga can be practiced even with various he alth problems. Of course, everything should be under control. Women who are pregnant or during menstruation, people with certain medical conditions, are not allowed to perform certain asanas. For example, inverted positions are not recommended for high blood pressure, visual impairment, glaucoma, and sinusitis. You should inform the yoga teacher about all he alth problems, who will correct the exercise program and adapt it to the abilities and current state of he alth of the exercising person.

What about age restrictions?

  • L.C .: It is never too late for yoga. There are no age ranges in my school that I think are artificial. Everyone is different and ages at a different pace. At my mat, next to young people, people in their sixties train in their own rhythm. My oldest student is 74 years old! Yoga can make us keep a strong body and a clear mind for a long time.

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Yoga