Yoga is a complementary therapy that combines breathing, meditation, and non-aerobic exercises to help people improve their physical and emotional health.

Yoga has been practiced in India for at least 5,000 years as a spiritual practice. There are many types of yoga, but Hatha yoga is the most common type of yoga currently practiced in the United States. It is a physical type of yoga that emphasizes practicing and mastering different yoga postures, or asanas.

The word yoga means “yoke”; it is a practice aimed to unite body, mind, and spirit.

Practicing yoga can help a person gain physical benefits such as increased flexibility, increased muscle strength, better posture, increased range of motion, and better muscle tone. Yoga also provides a number of benefits that improve a person’s quality of life in other ways through developing awareness of the connection between mind and body.

People who practice yoga can reduce their feelings of stress by learning to focus on their breathing and movement.  

Practicing yoga can help a person:

• Lower blood pressure,
• Reduce muscular tightness,
• Improve balance,
• Increase muscle strength and flexibility,
• Have more energy,
• Improve concentration and memory,
• Improve self-esteem, and
• Improve body awareness.
  

Hassenfeld currently offers yoga for children and parents during clinic hours on Thursdays at no additional charge to our families. Hassenfeld’s yoga teacher has special experience in working with children and young adults.