What is Yoga?
Yoga means union – of the physical, mental and spiritual well-being of a person. As a system of prescribed postures, breathing exercises, meditation and relaxation, yoga leads to healing and vibrancy. It focuses on training the muscular/connective tissue, the ligaments/tendons, and the autonomic nervous system (the stress system). Yoga enhances the way that we think and engage with our thoughts. Yoga also teaches us to control our minds, thoughts and our bodies through self-awareness.
There is also a quality of mindfulness with yoga. When you hold a posture, you are in the moment, feeling your body unfold. Contrast that to being in a gym working out mindlessly slamming through an exercise while watching television. With yoga, you learn how to breathe. You may be in a posture and feel uncomfortable. This is when mindfulness helps because, as you are doing the practice, you are breathing slowly, connecting with your body, and engaging in the moment. And, in that moment, you experience the union of mind, body and being.

Yoga Helps the Aesthetician
By engaging in yoga, you begin to cultivate love and compassion for yourself as a human being. Your priority is to take care of you as your body is an instrument through which you experience life. Each yoga posture has an effect on specific organs and body systems. They increase blood flow to the spine and nerves emanating from the spine that travels through every gland, muscle, tissue and organ that helps the brain function properly. When you are stressed, you breathe fast and shallow, limiting the body’s oxygen supply. Your blood becomes chemically unbalanced. Toxic substances are not properly eliminated and the endocrine glands cease to function adequately. It is in this highly toxic state that your body is prone to disease. Breathing exercises are not only calming but they also supply your body with oxygen to boost your immune system. As you begin to see results, it will be easier to complete the exercises more consistently.

Yoga Helps the Client
Relaxation is a critical component of yoga. During relaxation, the body repairs and heals. Cells do not only heal during sleep; they heal all day long. As aestheticians, you have been taught that when clients relax, their bodies better absorb and process the nutrients from products.
Rather than spending time on the table trying to relax, clients can take a moment to nurture themselves and prepare for their service. Most spas have a relaxation area and it is time to use the area for its intended purpose. It is time to teach the client to embrace the relaxation components of yoga.
The key is practicing yoga regularly. Many people who begin to practice yoga have reported this to be a key reason that yoga has become an essential part of a healthier and more
joyful life.