Summary: Did you know that imbalanced nervous system may cause slower reflexes, memory loss and even life-threatening diseases? Yoga can help you balance the same. Let us understand the effects of yoga on the nervous system.
There are tons of article on the internet that explains the benefits of yoga. Some say it helps in weight loss, treats chronic pain, builds muscles, etc. and for some, it is a stress buster, confidence booster, mind calmer, etc. Altogether, it proves that yoga does benefit the body as well as the mind.
But has it ever occurred to you how yoga influences the nervous system? The following article will help you understand how the nervous system works and the effect of yoga on it.
The nervous system
In vertebrates, the nervous system is divided into the peripheral nervous system (PNS) and the central nervous system (CNS). The CNS comprises of the brain and spinal cord whereas PNS comprises of nerves that connect CNS to the other body parts. The body uses combination of these two to communicate with each other.
The functioning of the nervous system
The CNS is further sub-divided into two parts: the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous system. The sympathetic nervous system maintains homeostasis in the body and is in charge of the fight or flight response. On the other hand, the parasympathetic nervous system is capable of supporting functions such as breathing, digestion, saliva formation, blinking, etc. Moreover, the activated parasympathetic nervous system lowers the blood pressure and heart rate.
When you work on the daily rituals you bring the sympathetic nervous system into function. The excess use of this part of the brain brings extreme stress and produces a great amount of cortisol. The production of this hormone affects the brain. It slows down the reflexes, disables the ability to focus, and weakens the memory and eventually affects the mental health. In order to control the increasing amount of cortisol hormone, the brain intentionally activates the parasympathetic nervous system.
This natural reflex of CNS proves that you have a balanced nervous system. If the parasympathetic nervous system doesn’t get activated, it is a matter of concern. It can be corrected or maintained by practicing yoga consistently.
Balancing the nervous system
Yoga poses or breathing exercises taught during yoga courses in Nepal increase the coordination between the mind and body. The practice of the 8 limbs of yoga allows nerve transmission from the body to the brain which relieves it from mental and muscular tension. This eventually results in effective activation of the parasympathetic nervous system. Besides, including breathing exercises in your yoga workout routine restores brain activity, balances the entire nervous system and supports sufficient functioning of the same.
Since it is crucial to keep the nervous system balanced, you must enroll for yoga courses in Nepal as they have a specialized sequence to help you maintain the same.
Exercises to strengthen the nervous system
If you are stuck in a hectic life because of work, you may start practicing the below-mentioned exercises to strengthen the nervous system:
- Balasana (Child’s Pose): Practicing this pose stretches your nerves and the spine that relaxes, rejuvenates the mind and body and increases the energy levels.
- Halasana (Plow Pose): This pose increases the blood circulation predominantly in the brain, calms the sympathetic nervous system and eventually de-stresses the mind.
- Anulom vilom (Alternate Nostril Breathing): This breathing exercise boosts the concentration of the nerves for speedy data processing in the brain and body. It also improves the sensory and motor reflexes by enhancing the performance of CNS.
- SuptaBaddhaKonasana (Reclining Bound Angle Pose): This pose increases the blood flow and calms the mind by relieving stress and anxiety. In a few cases, it may also cure mild depression.
- DirghaShwasana (Deep Breathing): This breathing exercise has an immediate effect on your brain. It decreases the level of the sympathetic nervous system by reducing the heart rate.
Once you start practicing at home you may also plan for a yoga retreat in Nepal which brings you a step forward in your personal yoga training.
