On the emotional level, the perception of touch plays an important role and the body reacts with a corresponding emotion. This is strongly influenced by previous experiences and impressions. This means, for example, that we almost automatically start to smile when the sunlight touches our face, just as we conversely feel uncomfortable or perhaps even stressed when we feel cold.
As we take a closer look at the characteristics and functioning of the skin, we also increasingly recognize the connections to yoga and our own practice. On the one hand, the skin does its job autonomously, as does the respiratory system. On the other hand, through its interaction with the outside world and the multitude of information and impressions it passes on to our subconscious via the nervous system, the skin builds up information and knowledge over time. Much of what we have experienced through the skin over the years is imprinted in our body and we react accordingly when the experience or impression occurs again. This is reflected in our learned behaviours, the decisions we make for our lifestyle, and drastic experiences in our lives, even traumas.