Asanas

Yogic asanas, or poses, tone the whole body. They strengthen bones and muscles, correct posture, improve breathing, and increase energy. This physical well-being has a strengthening and calming impact on the mind.

Practicing asanas cleanses the body. Increasing the circulation of fresh blood through the body and purging it of diseases and toxins. Regular practice of the stretches, twists, bends, and inversions – the basic movements of asanas – restores strength and stamina to the body. Asanas, together with pranayama, or the control of breath, rectify physical, physiological, and psychological disorders, They have a positive impact on the effects of stress and disease.

Yoga asanas, while appearing to deal with the physical body alone, actually influence the chemical balance of the brain, which in turn improves one’s mental state of being. B.K.S. Iyengar, Light on Life