Gelisim News

Referring to the fact that the Covid-19 pandemic is a phenomenon that keeps health-related stress experiences strong, Asst. Prof. Dr. Çiğdem Öner, from Istanbul Gelisim University, said: “When coronavirus is combined with stress, anxiety and fear, it can turn into a state that fluctuates the entire balance of the organism. It can also cause negative reflections on our immune systems. It is reported that an individual with strong immunity is more successful in combating coronavirus infection. The most common measure recommendation we encounter is to strengthen immunity. Today, we witness numerous Yoga organizations and Yoga experts frequently voicing Yoga and Yoga-based lifestyle recommendations to help people stay mentally healthy and promote optimal immune functions during the current pandemic.”
 
“PHYSIOLOGICAL BALANCE AND HARMONY CAN BE RESTORATED”
 
Noting that one step of Yoga practiced with pleasure by all participants is Asanas, that is 'Yoga postures', Asst. Prof. Dr. Çiğdem Öner said: “While strength, endurance and flexibility are developed in muscles, bones and joints through Asanas reflecting the physicality of Yoga, stress experiences in these areas have led to Physiological balance and harmony can be restored by reducing tensions. In addition, effective results are achieved in dealing with pain. Methodical practices of yoga postures play a role in regulating the circulatory, digestive and excretory systems, increasing the sense of well-being in the body.”
 
“WITH THE RIGHT BREATHING, THE HEART AND LUNGS CAN BE SUPPORTED”
 
Pointing out that another application step of the yoga system that makes the organism strong is Pranayama 'Breathing techniques', Öner said: "Breath is an important instrument that builds mental calmness in Yoga and grounds the deep bond that the individual will establish with himself. It is aimed to support the heart and lungs by means of correct breathing, as well as to increase body energy and protect the holistic balance. The right breath affects many areas from the spiritual life of the person to the way he perceives the world. Every breath taken accurately, deeply and with awareness becomes the main nutritional source of mental health. For this reason, observing the natural breath flowing in the body during the practice of bonding with breath in Yoga practices is a priority. The sensations that occur while breathing, the sensations created by the flow of air into and out of the body through the nasal passages, the observation of the changes experienced by the structures involved in the breathing process with the intake and exhaled breath, and the search for the realization of what is happening during this time are among the important keys of the journey with breath. Awareness of the breath frees the attention from thoughts, it is the way to develop consciousness, contact with holistic consciousness, being in the here and now.”
 
“ORGANIZES MENTAL ACTIVITY”
 
Giving the information that 'Meditation' studies, which most people are familiar with in daily life, are expressed with the term Dhayana in the Yoga literature, Öner said: "A significant part of the techniques that regulate and develop mental activity in the yoga system are applied in the Dharana 'Concentration' stage. These techniques are structured to enable the individual to meet reality, increase inner awareness, thus establishing a bridge between needs and reality and discovering the meaning of life.”
 
Öner concluded her speech as follows:
 
“Yoga practices, which can be described as a multi-dimensional way of knowing oneself, transform the skills of coping with difficulties into permanent experiences while managing life events. Because physical practices clarify the meaning of existence with a strong, flexible body, awareness of mental practices, spiritual contents. Therefore, a high quality of life, a high life satisfaction and a clear perception of reality are the simple gifts of Yoga practices. This naturally reflects on behavior as increased coping skills, acceptance, resilience and self-efficacy.”