Working the internal organs and muscles delivers self-healing benefits. Positing the body in certain postures and regulating the breath will clear the system, allowing for fresh blood, oxygen and energy to restore balance within the body system. Effort is put into strengthening and toning the external muscles; self-healing internal exercises do the same and improve the strength and stamina of overall body wellness.
Forward Fold
The Forward Fold Pose, Uttanasana in Sanskrit, is a basic standing yoga posture. Folding the body activates the liver and kidneys and rushes blood to the head, calming the brain. It is a great self-healing internal exercise, because it relieves headaches, insomnia and is used as part of therapy programs to lower blood pressure.
Ujjayi Breathing
Ujjayi breathing is a breathing technique that engages the abdominal muscles. The body benefits because it increases intake of oxygen, slows the breath, helps build energy and maintains an increased pressure in the abdominal area to support the spine.
Kapalabhati
Kapalabhati is a pranayama technique that purifies the nasal passages and lungs by contracting and releasing the lower belly to pump powerful cleansing breaths throughout the body. In Sanskrit, "prana" means vital energy carried to life through breath. Pranayama is the regulation of breath and the practice is to control the vital energy that is within each breath. Practicing pranayama techniques massage the organs and rejuvenate the body with new blood, fluids and oxygen.
Alternate Nostril Breathing
Nadi shodhana is an internal breathing exercise that reduces mental tension linked to anxiety and insomnia. Another pranayama technique, the words "nadi shodhana" in Sanskrit translate to clearing the channels of circulation. The internal exercise lowers your heart rate and, says the Yoga Journal website, is said to synchronize the right and left halves of the brain.
Inversions
Viparita karani is a basic yoga inversion that deepens the respiratory rhythm and opens the spine, chest and diaphragm. Inversions are internal exercises because they strengthen the diaphragm and abdominal muscles, slow the heart rate and decrease your blood pressure--all making the body relaxed to breathe fully.
Open the Sides
Gate-Latch Pose is a kneeling side bend posture that stretches the side body, spine, arms and legs. The intercostal muscles, the muscles between your ribs that aid the diaphragm and abdominal muscles in full breathing, are deeply opened in this pose. These muscles are unique because once released, they tend to stay that way which allows for fuller inhalations and exhalations.
References
- "Yoga Anatomy;" Leslie Kaminoff; 2007
- "The Seven Spiritual Laws of Yoga;" Deepak Chopra, M.D. and David Simon, M.D.; 2004
- Yoga Journal
- Yoga Journal
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