How Yoga Works
Yoga employs asanas (postures), focused concentration on specific body parts, and pranayama (breathing techniques) to harmonize the body with the mind and the mind with the soul.
The Body
Yoga asanas (postures or poses) contribute to the conditioning of your body. There is a myriad of yoga poses, and in Sanskrit, these poses are known as kriyas (actions), mudras (seals), and bandhas (locks). A kriya focuses on the effort required to move energy up and down the spine; yoga mudra involves gestures or movements to hold energy or focus awareness; and a bandha employs muscular contractions to direct awareness.
The Mind
Yoga directs attention to the mind by teaching you to concentrate on specific body parts. For example, your instructor may prompt you to focus deeply on your spine or encourage your mind to release and let your body sink into the floor. This mindfulness keeps the mind-body connection sharp, minimizing external distractions. An example of this is savasana (the corpse pose), a practice embraced by nearly all yoga schools. During savasana, you lie on your back with closed eyes and allow your entire body to gently sink into the floor. The objective is not to resist any thoughts but to let them come and go while the instructor guides you through visual imagery to help you tune into how your muscles feel. The outcome is a serene, tranquil, and deeply relaxed state. Savasana typically marks the final pose of a yoga session before concluding with chanting and/or breathing exercises.
The Spirit
Yoga employs controlled breathing to foster harmony among the mind, body, and spirit. The breathing techniques are known as pranayamas. "Prana" signifies energy or life force, and "yama" signifies ethical disciplines. It is believed that the controlled breathing of pranayamas regulates the energy flow within your body. In my experience, controlled breathing enhances my focus on the working muscles. During savasana, it slows my heart rate, calms my mind, and leads to a profound inner sense of relaxation.