Best Yoga Classes in Shawnee, KS

Developed in India, Yoga is a psycho-physical discipline with roots going back about 5,000 years. Today, most Yoga practices in the West focuses on the physical postures called "asanas," breathing exercises called "pranayama," and meditation. However, there's more to it than that, and the deeper you go the richer and more diverse the tradition becomes. The word "Yoga" means union. Linguistically, it is related to the Old English "yoke." Traditionally, the goal of Yoga is union with the Absolute, known as Brahman, or with Atman, the true self. These days the focus is often on the more down-to-earth benefits of Yoga, including improved physical fitness, mental clarity, greater self-understanding, increased self esteem, stress control and general well-being. Spirituality, however, is a strong underlying theme to most practices. The beauty of Yoga is in its versatility, allowing practitioners to focus on the physical, psychological or spiritual, or a combination of all three.

A yogi is someone who practices Yoga. A yogin is a male Yoga student, a yogini a female student. A guru is a teacher. "Swami" is a title of respect for a spiritual master.

Most schools teach a practice session that lasts 60-90 minutes. If you can do that every day -- great. If not, try and do that much a few days a week, including a class or two, and fill in with shorter sessions on days when you don't have as much time. Any Yoga is better than no Yoga, and 20 to 30 minutes a day is better than 90 minutes once a week.

In general, the combined practice of Yoga postures, meditation and pranayama breathing helps reduce stress and anxiety levels. It also helps build feelings of confidence and well-being and creates a stronger sense of self, all of which can help reduce levels of social anxiety. In addition, some of the practices -- such as Nadi Shodhana and other breathing techniques -- can help alleviate the symptoms of an anxiety attack. Yoga also teachers greater self awareness of mind and body. With practice, you may begin to sense the conditions that lead up to an attack and deal with them before they get out of control. It's important to start and maintain a regular practice. You should feel some immediate temporary relief, but it may take several months before you notice significant change.

Varicose veins, the enlargement and discoloration of veins, cannot be cured (surgery and injection treatments can improve their appearance, though). However, yoga can help alleviate the symptoms and mitigate complications. The book "Yoga for Common Ailments" recommends a classic Yoga asana routine, especially inverted posture. Also, it's a good idea to check with your doctor before beginning a practice to make sure that there is no danger of blood clots.