Article by Ray Cacciattolo

Anxiety is a general term for several disorders that cause nervousness, fear, apprehension, and worrying. It is an insidious emotional problem. Nearly every person has the feeling of anxiety at some point in his/her life. However, when it becomes out of control, it can cause distressing symptoms, including insomnia, migraines, intestinal problems, dizziness, heart palpitations and even panic attacks.

The physical practice of yoga has a direct effect on the parasympathetic nervous system (relaxation response) of the body. A good yoga practice burns off the tense energy that can contribute to anxiety and helps bring about a feeling of relaxation.

Controlling the breath turns out to be the entry point to calming down an overactive stress response system. Deep, smooth, quiet and even breathing promotes calmness of the mind.

Other breathing practices such as abdominal breathing and lengthening the exhalation relative to the inhalation help to reduce the symptoms of anxiety.

Yoga helps in slowing down the rush of thoughts. Through yoga your mind becomes relaxed and more aware of the present moment. You are more aware of what is within your control. External factors which are not within your control you just try not to let them affect you in negative way. Yoga teaches you to let go of all the worries about the future.

By applying the above yogic techniques, you will be on your way to a better quality of life, your health and well-being. You will simply feel better even by just improving your sleeping pattern.

Ray Cacciattolo, founder of Functional Fitness Yoga (Malta), is a fully qualified Yoga Instructor (Yoga Alliance 2011), Pilates Instructor (National exercise & Sports Trainers Association 2007), Hatha Yoga Teacher (C.h. Dip. Yoga, Kevala Centre 2005) and Sport Yoga Instructor (National Exercise & Sports trainers Association 2004). Ray started the practice of yoga in 2001 to increase his fitness level. It immediately struck him that practice of yoga is highly beneficial on the physical, mental and emotional level. He highly considers yoga as a way of life, a means not just to get physically fit but also to obtain and maintain inner well-being, harmony and a deep sense of peace. It is his passion sharing the many benefits that yoga has to offer to every person, whatever the age, level of fitness and shape of the body. His teaching experience includes yoga with the visually impaired and blind persons and yoga in prison. He may be contacted at email address:raycacciattolo@gmail.com; contact number: 79555574; website: www.rayogamalta.com ; fb: Ra Yoga Malta