New Delhi, April 16 (IANS). ‘Aqua Yoga’, which is done by combining traditional yoga with water, has become the center of attraction among health lovers these days. There are countless physical and mental benefits of doing yoga in swimming pool or water.
During aqua yoga, people practice asanas like Padmasana, Shirshasana, Shavasana, Paschimottanasana and Bakasana in water. Aqua yoga is a modern style of yoga in which yoga asanas are performed in a swimming pool. The buoyancy of water reduces the weight of the body, which puts much less pressure on the joints. This makes exercise easier and safer. It is extremely beneficial especially for people with arthritis, joint pain, recovery after surgery or the elderly.
Aqua yoga relieves body fatigue by eliminating it. Doing yoga in water does not put pressure on the joints and muscles. This increases flexibility and makes stretching easier. The way of breathing improves in water. This provides relief from neuro-related problems. The cool touch of water calms the mind. Problems like stress, anxiety and insomnia reduce. Its regular practice strengthens immunity, improves blood circulation and reduces fatigue. The resistance of water gives the muscles a good workout. This tones the body and also helps in weight control.
Yoga experts say that aqua yoga not only improves physical health but is also very beneficial for mental health. Yoga in water also helps in improving sleep. It not only gives physical fitness but also peace of mind and overall health.
Along with aqua yoga, many diseases are also treated using water, which is called hydrotherapy. It is effective in providing relief not only from migraine but also from body pain, swelling and stress. It has also proved effective in joint pain, back pain and many other physical and mental diseases. Hydrotherapy strengthens the immune system by increasing the body’s natural vitality. When habits like sleep, eating habits, exercise etc. deteriorate, the body becomes weak. Hydrotherapy detoxifies the body with water, improves blood circulation, relaxes muscles and reduces swelling.
This therapy includes methods like hot water bath, cold water packs, steam bath, exercise in the pool or ice massage on the head. One study looked at the effect of hydrotherapy on chronic migraine patients. 40 patients were divided into two groups. One group received hydrotherapy (immersing hands and feet in warm water and massaging the head with ice) along with medications, while the other received only medications. After 45 days, the frequency, intensity, and impact of headaches were significantly reduced in the hydrotherapy group. Heart rate variability also improved, which improved the autonomic nervous system.
–IANS
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