What Could Be The Effect Of Yoga On
Our Nervous System?
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:
1. 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.
2. Halasana (Plow Pose): This pose increases the blood
circulation predominantly in the brain, calms the
sympathetic nervous system and eventually de-stresses the
mind.
3. 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.
4. 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.
5. 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.