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Yoga FAQs

Will yoga help with anxiety and depression?
Yes, yoga can help aid in anxiety and depression. The pranayama (breath) work that is done starts to slow everything down calming the nervous system. . The focus needed in building and holding an asanas (pose)  takes so much concentration that you are not listening to the chatter in your head (at least you should try not to) which is very calming. There are also specific poses that you can do to calm the nervous system such as Shoulder Stand (Sarvangasana) or Legs-Up-the-Wall (Viparita Karani).  Whenever you can get your feet higher than your head and your heart, you have a great opportunity to feel relaxed and happier.     
Can yoga help to build a strong core (deep stomach muscles)?
Yes, yoga can help you to build a strong core.  Of course there are specific poses for the stomach in yoga but you use your core in almost every pose. Our core is the center from which we move. Having strong stomach muscles can help protect you from back injuries too. In yoga, one is not looking to develop “a six back”.  Instead, it is the deeper muscles in the stomach that are strengthen which are much stronger than the superficial thin layer of muscles used for the “six pack”.
Can you loose weight practicing yoga?
Yes, yoga can help you to loose weight.  Yoga encourages development of a positive self image as more attention is paid to nutrition and the body as a whole. The positive effects of yoga on weight may also have to do with reducing stress. Stress is a significant factor for many people in an effort to maintain healthy weight. Current research shows that chronic exposure to stress hormones stimulates weight gain particularly in the abdominal area. One of the benefits of a yoga practice in weight loss is through reducing stress. Although this is an effect that has not been directly studied in experimental research, yoga practice, especially techniques which focus on reducing stress, can be an important component to a long-term weight management program.
Will yoga help my Balance?

Yes, yoga will help you to balance. In yoga you learn how to hold still in a pose by using core strength, pulling the muscles to the bone , focusing your eyes on a fixed point and relaxing into the pose. Using the prana (breath), engaging the core and mind with eyes focused you can lift off.

Will yoga help me to build body strength?

Yes, yoga will help you to strengthen your body. While holding asanas you pull your muscles to the bones which helps to create strength. Also, some yoga poses require you to hold your own body weight such as Down-Ward Facing Dog, Plank, and Chaturanga Dandasana.