The Perfect Combination for a Balanced Body
One of the greatest benefits of getting a massage is that it can lower your blood pressure and heart rate, allowing the muscles throughout the body to relax, while yoga improves respiration, energy, and vitality. Together, they are the perfect duo for us to relieve the stress we carry within ourselves. While it’s important to relax the body, it is just as important to relax the mind. Especially with how hectic the world is around us currently. We need to tune back into our bodies and nourish our minds so we can combat the stress as well as disease and sickness around us. The long term practice of yoga helps rid the body of toxins, just like massage, as the specific movements and breathing patterns help create a massage-like effect on the organs, moving the lymph nodes which rids the body of these toxins. This allows the body to regenerate, boosting our immune systems. Research has also shown that receiving regular massage therapy helps boost the immune system, as well as flushing the body of toxins and increasing the blood flow and circulation throughout the body. Massage also increases the activity of white blood cells that help our body fight off diseases! So incorporating just these two simple practices into your life can dramatically change these crazy times. Making sure that not only our body is in good condition, but also our minds!
Here are 10 Yoga Poses you can try out to improve the natural function of our bodies:
Cat and Cow- Beneficial for digestive and reproductive systems
Sphinx- Soothes nervous systems and alleviates constipation
Camel Pose- Improves digestion and respiratory ailments
Fish Pose (or Supported Fish)- Boosts immune system, aids constipation and respiratory system
Bridge Pose- Opens chest, heart and calms the body and improves digestion
Shoulder Stand- Improves vitality, prevents cough, cold and flu and improves digestion
Plow Pose- Improves liver and kidney function, activates digestion and balances metabolic rate
Wind Relieving Pose- Improves digestion, relieves wind, constipation and massages internal organs
Happy Baby Pose- Helps relieve stress and increases vitality
Legs Up the Wall- Lowers stress, anxiety and insomnia. Increases circulation and quiets the mind.
-Paige R.