Health Benefit of Yoga | Yoga Cardiovascular Benefits
Here is a list of Spectacularly Healthful Reasons You Should Gear Up for Yoga!
Liberation from Stress
More and more, western science is confirming what people in India have known for thousands of years: the relaxing effects yoga produces are real and significant. Yoga has been shown to lower stress and anxiety-related hormones such as cortisol, decrease blood pressure, and reduce heart rate. But yogas beneficial effects dont stop there. The regular practice of yoga can give a boost to the body's immune system, improve digestion, increase energy levels, and improve insomnia. Yoga has even been shown to be a valuable tool in combating depression.
Relief from Pain
Yoga has been shown to be an effective analgesic. In other words, it can help reduce pain. Researchers have shown that yoga postures and meditation, either alone or in combination, can lower pain levels experienced by patients with arthritis, multiple sclerosis, cancer, and joint pain caused by cumulative stress injuries such as carpal tunnel syndrome. Patients with chronic conditions such as eczema and fibromyalgia have also reported benefits from regularly practicing yoga. In fact, some studies have shown yoga may be helpful in reducing emotional as well as physical pain.
Improved Breathing
Yoga trains those who practice it to breath deeper and slower, and therefore more healthfully. Side benefits of improved breathing include relaxation and more efficient oxygen distribution throughout the body. In addition, improved oxygen flow to the brain improves overall cognitive functioning.
Maintenance and Improvement of Range of Motion
A supple and flexible spine is the key to staying young at any age. Yoga is an unparalleled technique for improving mobility and flexibility. Through the consistent practice of yoga, muscles, ligaments, and tendons lengthen and become more elastic. The body becomes more attuned to posture and balance. As these changes occur, more advanced yoga postures may be incorporated into one's routine. This furthers a cycle of positive changes in the body's musculoskelletal system.
Superior Strength
Most people are not aware of, or underestimate the value of yoga for strengthening muscles. Yoga is perhaps the most comprehensive exercise program because it targets and appropriately stresses virtually every one of the bodys more than 650 muscles.
Weight Control
Even beginners and intermediate yoga practitioners have been show to have an easier time with weight control. Yoga not only facilitates more beneficial hormone production through stress reduction, an important factor in managing weight, it burns calories. People who practice yoga tend to have improved attitudes towards, and images of, their own bodies. Along with improved self-esteem often comes greater awareness of diet regarding both the amounts and types of food consumed.
Cardiovascular Benefits
Another hugely undervalued advantage of yoga: it bestows substantial cardiovascular benefits. By improving overall oxygenation through better breathing and circulation, even yoga novices notice improved stamina. Obviously this is key to joggers, runners, and anyone involved in competitive sports. But also, everyday tasks become less of a burden and life in general simply becomes more fluid and pleasant. The benefits of this cannot be overstated!