Discover the benefits of yoga for body and mind

Over the years, yoga has established itself as an essential practice for anyone aspiring to achieve balance between body and mind. But how can you incorporate yoga into your daily routine? Is yoga healthy? And what styles of yoga should you choose based on your needs? Nicolas Pauliat, hydrotherapist and yoga teacher at the Sofitel Quiberon Thalassa Sea & Spa , shares his expertise to guide you to a yoga practice that resonates with your desire for inner well-being.

What does yoga mean?

Yoga is more than just a sport, it is a discipline. This ancient practice draws its origins from Indian philosophy and dates back to the third millennium B.C. Today, yoga is widely practiced in the West, both in its original form and in new adaptations that meet more contemporary needs.

Nicolas Pauliat highlights not only the physical benefits of yoga, but also the spiritual ones, as any practice will aim to free the mind from the constraints of the body through the mastery of movement, rhythm, and breathing.

The different aspects of yoga

So how do we define yoga? Any practice can combine a set of several techniques, including:

• The asanas (physical poses): The asanas are the mainstay of any yoga practice. They are used to make the body stronger and more supple, combined with improved flexibility and posture. According to Nicolas Pauliat, these poses are not simply physical exercises, but tools for exploring and transforming the inner experience.

• Pranayama (breathing techniques): Pranayama translates as the control (yama) of vital energy (prana) through the breath. These techniques help to calm the mind, improve focus, and regulate the body’s energies.

• Yoga Nidra (meditation and relaxation): Often described as the yoga of conscious sleep, Yoga Nidra is a method of deep relaxation and meditation. Nicolas Pauliat explains that this practice can be as beneficial as several hours of deep sleep, helping to reduce stress and improve sleep quality.

As you can see, yoga can come in many forms, and each one is adapted to different needs and lifestyles. Whether for relaxation, physical strength, stress management, or spiritual growth, yoga opens up a whole world of possibilities thanks to a flexible practice and personal exploration.

“Our interior world is a garden in which we are the gardeners. We plant what we want. If we take care of it and fertilize it regularly (through a healthy diet, a healthy lifestyle, etc.) then we reap the rewards of beautiful plants, trees, and fruit. If we don’t take care of it, the weeds start to grow and sometimes even take over.”

Does yoga count as exercise, and is yoga strength training? 

More than just a series of stretches, there are powerful health benefits of yoga. Through regular practice, yogis can expect noticeable results through greater flexibility, better posture, and a strengthening of the deep muscles often neglected in traditional physical activities.

The effects of yoga can also be felt through the beneficial impact on cardiovascular and digestive health, and the immune system. The combination of asanas and pranayama contributes to better blood circulation and improved respiratory function. These benefits translate into lower blood pressure and a more stable heart rate, promoting better cardiovascular health. What’s more, the specific movements and poses of yoga stimulate the internal organs, including the digestive system. This helps to improve digestion, reduce gastrointestinal problems, and promote more efficient elimination of toxins which can also help support the immune system.

Yoga for mental and emotional balance

As well as its physical benefits, studies have found that yoga may also have numerous benefits for mental and emotional health. The practice of asanas, combined with meditation and pranayama, supports the release of emotional and mental tension in a sort of yoga therapy. By focusing on the present moment and reconnecting with the breath and the body, practitioners can access a state of calm and mental clarity, and in turn a better quality of life.

Yoga is also a powerful tool for understanding and managing emotions. It teaches awareness and acceptance of emotions without judgment, thereby promoting better management of stress and anxiety. “Regular yoga practice helps us to achieve physical, mental, and emotional balance,” says Nicolas Pauliat. Yoga is therefore an invaluable tool in the search for mental well-being, particularly as our modern lives tend to be filled with stress and external stimuli.

What happens when you do yoga everyday?

The benefits of yoga can be felt over the long term, with daily practice. For beginners, incorporating short yoga sessions into a daily routine can be an excellent starting point. This could involve practicing a few simple poses in the morning to wake up the body’s muscles, or breathing and meditation exercises in the evening to promote relaxation and improved sleep.

It is important to recognize that yoga can be adapted to all lifestyles and skill levels. Whether you are in an office, traveling, or at home, there are yoga practices that can be adapted to these different contexts.

Finally, it is important to remember that yoga is not a competition. Everyone can and should progress at their own pace, adapting yoga to their own needs and abilities.

Discover the different types of yoga and find the right one for you

Yoga comes in a multitude of forms, each offering a unique experience tailored to different needs and goals. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced practitioner, finding the types of yoga that resonate with you is an important part of your journey and is key to achieving the results you want.

Hatha

Hatha is often considered to be one of the best types of yoga for beginners. It is a gentle form of yoga that focuses on static postures and breathing techniques. It offers a balanced introduction to the practice of yoga, helping people to develop strength, improve flexibility, and promote relaxation.

Vinyasa

Vinyasa is dynamic yoga, characterized by fluid, dynamic sequences of postures, often synchronized with the breath. It is one of the more energetic and invigorating types of yoga, ideal for people seeking to improve their physical strength while benefiting from a meditative practice.

Ashtanga

Ashtanga is among the most rigorous, physically demanding types of yoga, based on a specific series of postures practiced in a precise order. It is suited to people looking for a physical challenge and a disciplined practice.

Kundalini

Kundalini yoga focuses on awakening the Kundalini energy, located at the base of the spine. This style combines dynamic postures, breathing techniques, mantra chanting, and meditation. It is often praised for its holistic approach, which aims to improve both physical and spiritual health.

Yin Yoga

Yin yoga is a slower, meditative practice in which postures are held for several minutes at a time. It aims to stretch connective tissue and promote relaxation. This style is for people who want to relax and recharge their batteries.

Yoga Nidra

Known as the “yoga of conscious sleep,” yoga Nidra is a form of meditation practiced lying down. It leads to deep relaxation and can be as restorative as several hours of sleep.

What are the true benefits of yoga? 

Yoga is much more than just a physical activity; it is a practice that can influence every aspect of life. By integrating yoga into your daily routine, you open the door to greater well-being – with both physical and mental results. Yoga offers the opportunity to nurture a healthy mind in a healthy body, in harmony with the natural rhythms of life.

All types of yoga, from gentle Hatha to dynamic Vinyasa and meditative Yin, offer a different approach to meet specific needs. Whether you want to manage stress, improve flexibility, strengthen your body or simply find a moment of peace in today’s hectic world, yoga is an adaptable and accessible solution. It is never too late to start, and every practice counts, no matter how short!