Yoga and Meditation

How does Yoga and Meditation work? How does it affect us? 

At the end of my yoga practice with a few students, what always works is meditation visualization and breathing techniques. Visualization is a technique involving focusing on positive mental images in order to achieve a particular goal.

According http://helpguide.org/mental/stress_relief_meditation_yoga_relaxation.htm#visualization;

“The focus on full, cleansing breaths, deep breathing is a simple, yet powerful, relaxation technique. It’s easy to learn, can be practiced almost anywhere, and provides a quick way to get your stress levels in check. Deep breathing is the cornerstone of many other relaxation practices, too, and can be combined with other relaxing elements such as aromatherapy and music. All you really need is a few minutes and a place to stretch out.”

My students often find that after a yoga practice and visualization meditation session, the top of the frontal lobe of their head feels very relaxed, and they feel lighter.  In one session, I asked a student, what was the color of the balloon which I depicted in the imagery .  She told me it was blue.  What was neat about that session, I intended the same color, but did not mention it to her.  Whether there was a corealtion of mental telepathy here, is not founded.  Who knows?

Research from Transcendental Meditation program by Maharishi Mahesh Yogi emphasized that the meditation is effective in eliminating stress, anxiety and frustration, and in promoting growth toward a state of total peace and fulfillment in higher states of consciousness.

There are many other articles which claim that meditation and yoga, is a practice and exercise that calms the mind body and spirit of a person.  I believe it because it definitely works for me. Please feel free to share your thoughts and experiences in Yoga and Meditation.