Why do Yoga Retreats Work?

Retreats and Classes

Yoga classes are invaluable to introduce techniques and variations as suggested to the class by the Yoga teacher. A Yoga retreat offers a totally different experience because the teacher has more time to provide individual teaching, and students gain the benefits of deep relaxation which are magnified in the retreat environment. Also due to the reduced time constraints and being surrounded for hours by like minded people, it becomes easy to focus more on your own postures and breathing techniques.

One of the five points of Yoga is a proper diet. The retreat offers vegetarian food with a non-vegetarian option and time for dietary and nutritional advice if required. The retreat offers the opportunity to pursue this very important aspect of Yoga practice in a manner which is simply not possible in a weekly class situation.

Physical Health Benefits

You could say that physical health is a by-product of regular Yoga practice. It is one of the best preventative health regimes you can undertake. Strenuous exercise produces large quantities of lactic acid in muscle fibres causing fatigue. In Yoga sessions muscle fatigue is counteracted through proper breathing and relaxation to avoid muscle stiffness and injury. With proper Yoga exercises the elasticity of the body can be kept, even to an advanced age and Yoga is also very good for strength and endurance building. Other benefits include improved sleep patterns, reducing high blood pressure, increased lung capacity for asthma sufferers, improved circulation, relief from constipation and diarrhoea and a whole range of benefits which flow from reducing toxins in the body.

Mental Health Benefits

Stress and anxiety can be controlled and even eliminated by regular yogic breathing (pranayama exercises). Feelings of well-being are increased with greater flow of oxygen to the brain and staying in a Yoga retreat allows the body time to gain the benefits of total relaxation.

Yoga teaches you to look within yourself and you naturally evolve to have a deeper understanding and empathy for yourself and others. Improved sleep patterns can help beat depression and the breathing exercises learned can be used in any situation you find stressful, such as waiting rooms and queues.

Understanding your inner self and looking within yourself is a skill which can be developed. Working on the understanding, acceptance and love of yourself and others can have tremendous benefits in life and relationships for all students.

Disciplines

Going on a Yoga retreat can help to enforce your Yoga practice and disciplines and ensure you keep the right frame of mind thereafter. Disciplining the mind and body through meditation and regular Yoga practice leads to improved feelings of well being and promotes a much healthier life-style.

Spiritual Aspects

Yoga can become a way of life and in this the spiritual aspect is fundamental. However, it is up to the individual to choose how far they want to incorporate the spiritual aspect of Yoga into their own life.