When it comes to yoga asanas, most people think of improving flexibility and muscle strength...... and other physical qualities, but the effectiveness of asana is not limited to this. In the application of Yoga Therapy, we often use asana practice as a way to build "Inner Resources" and improve "self-performance" at the level of mental cognition.
The brain and nervous system are constantly monitoring our physical state, which is usually an inner process that we are not aware of. In addition to regulating the detected information, the brain also forms our "perception" of ourselves.
Caroline Williams, author of "Moving Better", pointed out that if we allow our bodies to become weak, then the self-message from the musculoskeletal system will be: stiff and weak. Psychologist Louise Barrett points out that it has to do with our perception of "what we can accomplish in this world". This may be one of the reasons why a sedentary lifestyle can lead to anxiety and low self-esteem.
In my mind-body yoga healing sessions, I often invite students to practice a detailed perception of their own body and use this information to create and strengthen their own agency. Such exercises can not only improve the sense of performance of the self, so that the brain can produce a certain degree of "security", but also create more self-control and stability of the inner resources.
In addition, asana practice can also be used as a medium for self-expression. In addition to the spoken language, expressions and movements are also an important part of human expression. Many people who have been burdened with social group pressure for a long time often have difficulties in expressing "rejection" and drawing appropriate "boundaries" between themselves and others. Therefore, he constantly wronged himself and others, reluctantly did many things that he was unwilling to do, and even took on work that was difficult for him to bear, causing physical and mental pressure and emotional distress.
In such situations, the practice of asana can also come in handy. I used to use asanas in my classes to get students to practice the physical expression of "rejection". Some students were pleasantly surprised to say that this kind of exercise made him feel the release of emotions obviously, and also made him less afraid to express his thoughts and feelings.
In the process of learning yoga healing, many teachers have encouraged me to think holistically about each yoga practice "tool", and each practice can improve the physical, breathing, emotional, cognitive, and inner resources at the same time. Although this kind of teaching thinking and curriculum design is not easy, it does allow me to see more help for people, and far more than just physical exercises.
However, I must stress that if such an attempt is to be made, the facilitator must still have a sufficient understanding of "mental health promotion", as well as a good grasp of the principles and precautions. Because "water can carry a boat and capsize a boat", if properly mastered, we will be able to help people gain more growth and support in the process of self-healing. Conversely, it may lead to other unnecessary self-deprecation and harm.