Countless Benefits Of Yoga To The Body

It is arguable whether the many practitioners of yoga caused scientists to research its health benefits, or the positive results of these studies influenced more people to adopt yoga. Either way, the studies have shown that yoga really can cause improvement in terms of the physical, psychological, and biochemical aspects of the body.

At yoga’s core is the concept of union. The practice aims to unify the spirit, mind, and body through regular physical and breathing exercises. It is debatable whether yoga practitioners actually achieve this state of union because it’s not something that science can test so readily.

Yoga has been in existence for thousands of years, mainly in India and Asia and, more recently, in western countries. Many people have experienced the benefits of yoga which include self-healing, serenity, and harmony with all living things.

Because of the apparent health benefits of yoga especially in terms of healing and restoration of the nervous system, many doctors have recommended the practice of yoga for treatment. The benefits of yoga in the physical aspect include: better circulation and heart rate; improvement of respiratory conditions; blood pressure problems; stability of the nervous system; improved function of the gastrointestinal and endocrine systems; protection and healing of the joints to promote movement; better endurance; higher energy levels; a stronger immune system, thus rendering a person immune to most stress-related diseases; improved motor function, particularly hand-eye coordination, dexterity, reaction time; and better sleeping patterns.

In terms of mental health, the benefits include: enhanced awareness of the self and the environment; improved self-esteem and self-acceptance; the opportunity for self-actualization; improved social skills; better concentration, memory and attention; increased capacity for knowledge and wisdom; and improved mood.

The biochemical make-up of the body is also greatly improved by increased levels of sodium, glucose, vitamin C, cholesterol, serum protein, white blood cell count, and hemoglobin.

The poses and physical exercises of yoga has also been shown to be effective in improving the flexibility, lubrication, and strength of the joints, tendons, and ligaments. Another interesting, and no doubt beneficial, aspect of yoga is its capability to massage the glands and internal organs, including those which receive little or no stimulation such as the prostate gland. This improves the condition of the organs and their systems.

Yoga techniques have also been used for detoxification. The constant flexing and contracting of the muscles to assume yogic positions increases blood circulation to every part of the body. Because of this, toxins are eliminated more effectively and the effects of aging are postponed for a long period of time.

Healing Power Of Yoga

Yoga is one of the best exercises for physical and emotional healing. Its benefits are numerous, and it can be practiced by anyone who is interested in it. It can be used to de-stress. Stress has been known to cause chronic diseases such as reproductive problems, heart problems, immune system problems, arthritis, depression, and anxiety. Because yoga also helps in healing the mind, the healthy mind can influence a much healthier body.

Yoga’s effects on the body are tremendous as well. Your muscles are exercised by gentle stretching and relaxing. Your breathing and blood circulation improves as well. You will develop stronger muscles, thus, a stronger body, which is an effective tool against illnesses whether viral or stress-related in nature.

Relaxation is brought about by yoga through breathing techniques and strong but gentle poses. The poses target the parasympathetic nervous system, a useful component of the autonomic nervous system that deals with the rest-and-repose mechanism of the body. Thus, optimal function of this component would ensure that the damage sustained from too much stress is contained. Stress can manifest through sudden heart rate increase, shallow breathing, excessive sweating, and muscle tension. While these are normal reactions of the body, sometimes, stress can be too much. So much so that the normal coping mechanisms of the body through the parasympathetic nervous system are arrested, and we succumb to illnesses. Yoga is an effective guard against this overload. It restores our body to its natural balance.

Stress is also the reason behind increased cortisol levels throughout the body. This leads to immune system suppression, which in turn will lead chronic diseases such as those mentioned above as well as sleep disturbances, loss of appetite, and loss of sex drive. In addition, wear and tear on our organs can be attributed to stress.

Yoga’s relaxation techniques can counteract against the physical manifestation of stress. In addition, it can improve the performance of the circulatory, digestive, reproductive, immune, and glandular systems, to name a few.

The asanas, or physical poses, in yoga enhances the circulation of blood and fluids to different parts of the body. Its breathing exercises improve the function of the lungs, as well as restore our peace of mind. Many people who have tried practicing yoga regularly become less dependent on medication and other forms of treatment. While this may be appealing, remember that the positive effects of yoga do not happen overnight. The therapeutic effects of yoga are felt in the long run, but if you are patient and continue practicing yoga, you will begin to feel healthier than you have ever felt before.