Dahn Yoga And Its Many Benefits

Many people know that yoga exercises can help them strengthen their muscles and relax their minds, but some are unaware that yoga breathing exercises may aid in weight loss.

A recent article published by the Huffington Post highlighted yoga as one activity that individuals can engage in if they want to shed pounds without using traditional methods of dieting. By entering a state of relaxation, people may be able to free their minds of the temptation to snack on calorie-rich foods that can contribute to weight gain.

"Yogic breathing offsets this [desire to eat when stressed]. When you're relaxed, you don't have as much hunger pain. People make better food choices when they're relaxed," said exercise physiologist Ralph LaForge, quoted by the news source.

Simple, healthful ways to avoid overeating may benefit millions of individuals. According to the National Institutes of Health more than 60 percent of Americans are either overweight or obese.

Taking the time to clear your mind of everyday stress through yoga may lead you to a happier, healthier life.

Many celebrities are self-proclaimed fans of yoga. Jennifer Aniston is one of the latest movie and television stars to discuss how she practices yoga for health and fitness.

Aniston is well known for her relationships and for having a figure that many women strive for. The 42-year-old recently told the Winnipeg Free Press about how she maintains her body shape through a healthy lifestyle.

The actress explained to the newspaper that despite her busy work schedule, she tries to engage in at least 20 minutes of physical activity per day. Aniston said that she tries to do some sort of exercise that increases her heart rate and makes her sweat even when she does not have much spare time.

She also told the news provider that she practices yoga in order to help her live a balanced lifestyle.

"I do yoga, yoga is very important. I love it. If I'm not doing it, then my spirit sort of goes," said Aniston, quoted by the news source.
She noted that she allows herself to eat high-calorie foods in moderation, as opposed to restricting these in order to maintain her weight. While many women feel self-conscious about their appearance as they age, Aniston said she has become more confident and comfortable with herself as she grows older.

According to WebMD, the origins of yoga date back more than 5,000 years. The source reports that about 11 million Americans practice the discipline, which may promote both physical fitness and mental clarity.

Yoga practitioners may experience improved flexibility, strength and balance. The website explains that all types of yoga may help boost individuals' fitness. Standing poses, in particular, which involve holding a stance for several long breaths, may promote stronger hamstrings, quadriceps and abdominal muscles.

Regardless of your experience with holistic healing, using yoga breathing for beginners can be a great way to improve your pulmonary well-being and to flush toxins from the body. Add to that the fact that deep breathing may help reduce the symptoms of seasonal allergies, and you've got a powerful mind-body tool at your disposal!

The next time you're feeling congested or irritated by hay fever, try this simple Dahn Yoga breathing technique, which you can perform indoors or outside.

1. Begin by standing up straight and placing your feet shoulder-width apart.
2. Inhale deeply, taking at least eight seconds to draw in a full breath.
3. While you do this, slowly start lifting your arms up and toward each other. As they rise above your head, interlace your fingers and push your palms up toward the sky.
4. Hold this posture for a moment, and stre-e-e-etch upward!
5. Now, release your hands. Let your arms slowly open to either side of you and gradually drop back down again. As you do so, release your breath. Remember to smile as you do so, and to say "Ahhhhhh."

As with many yoga programs and holistic health systems, yoga instructors often focus on unity between the mind and body. This goes for Dahn Yoga Instructors as well. Not only does this entail posing, stretching, deep breathing and walking to improve health, but it also encompasses eating right.

If you're curious as to what yoga instructors say are foods that improve health, here are a few meal ideas that jive well with a lifestyle that includes mind-body regimens.

1. Many alternative health experts, including author and yoga teacher Aadil Palkhivala, emphasize eating foods that are organic, naturally grown and pesticide- or hormone-free. Palkhivala told the Yoga Journal that fresh fruits and vegetables are key to any diet, but that they are especially important for individuals pursuing holistic health.

2. Likewise, try not to consume too much alcohol or red meat. An occasional bit of either is okay, but these foods can make you feel sluggish or tired. In the long run, eating too much red meat, starch or processed food can also lead to digestive problems, greater body mass and an increased risk of cardiovascular disease.

3. Palkhivala noted that yoga practitioners should also try to savor their food, since chewing slowly and tasting every bite both slows your metabolism and allows you a greater enjoyment of the energy you're putting into your body.

Stress is no easy thing to eliminate. Modern life places us in countless situations that are hectic, tense or fraught with responsibility. This can lead to serious anxiety, which is bad for your mental and physical health. Fortunately, if you're having a bad day, Dahn Yoga has just the breathing exercises for stress you'll need in order to relax.

This exercise is also an effective pain management technique, so you may also consider trying it if you've suffered a minor injury, like a stubbed toe, a bumped shin or a papercut.

Here are the steps involved in this breathing technique.

1. Begin by simply telling yourself, "I"m stressed! I need to stop what I'm doing and try to relax."
2. Take a few deep breaths, inhaling through your nose and exhaling through your mouth. Breathe slowly. If you find yourself panting, that may actually be contributing to your anxiety, so take it nice and easy.
3. As you breathe, lift your chest and shoulders with each inhalation. Let them relax again as you breathe out.
4. Now curl your fingers and, as you breathe in and out, use them to tap your chest rhythmically. After five minutes you'll feel a warm, tingly sensation that tells you you're starting to relax.