The magic of Yoga

For me, Yoga is all about healing.

When I was 14 I was diagnosed with M.E. or Chronic Fatigue Syndrome. Much of my teenage years were spent in a wheelchair and I became very familiar with hospitals! After a few years I was also diagnosed with Fibromyalgia and Hypermobility Syndrome.

I initially started Yoga as a way to strengthen my atrophied muscles, but to my surprise I found it enhanced my mental state just as much, if not more than my physicality. I discovered an entirely new side to my body, my mind and my soul. I truly credit my Yoga practice with my continued recovery and health.

But how does it work? Is it magic?!
Well… kind of! But also science…

Yoga stimulates the parasympathetic nervous system, the “rest and digest” part of our minds and bodies. This is the antithesis of the “Fight, Flight or Freeze” response that is triggered during times of high stress. The part of our brain that is designed to keep us alive, but far from comfortable. In modern life we are often exposed to very different types of stressors to our ancestors, and so can find ourselves living more and more in this high alert state. It’s all very well and helpful if we are running from a sabre tooth tiger, but if someone has just bumped into us in the queue at Tescos, not so much!

By engaging with this part of our central nervous system; by actively being aware of our breath, movement and thoughts, we are soothing that fear response, we are telling ourselves that just for this moment, right here on our mat: We are safe, we are loved, and we are exactly where we need to be. I don’t know about you, but for me this was and continues to be nothing short of magic.

Plus you know, stretching feels good!