Yoga has the following benefits on the human body and mind:
- Yoga postures or asanas exercise every part of your body, stretching and toning the muscles and joints, the spine and the entire skeletal system.
- Yoga works not only on the body’s frame but on the internal organs, glands and nerves as well, keeping all your systems in good health. By releasing physical and mental tension, yoga also liberates vast resources of energy.
- Yogic breathing exercises known as pranayama revitalise the body and help to control the mind, leaving you feeling calm and refreshed.
- Positive thinking and meditation give increased clarity, mental power and concentration.
- Yoga Asanas, if practiced daily, can not only control the stiffness of your muscles and joints but also slows down the whole physiological process.
How else can Yoga change my life?
Many people practice Yoga to increase their physical fitness. Others do it to get relief from specific complaints such as backache. But Yoga provides many more benefits than just those of physical fitness and relaxation. To understand Yoga and its benefits in entirety, you need to have a first-hand experience.
At first glance, Yoga may seem to you to be nothing more than a series of strange physical postures, which keep your body lean and flexible. But if you regularly practice Yoga asanas, you will find a subtle change in your approach to life. It will not only tone and relax your body, but at the same time you will begin to experience a feeling of calm, quietude and inner peace. This is the essence of Yoga.
Is there a scientific evidence of Yoga effects?
Yes and studies have corroborated this. For instance, the Shavasana or the corpse-like posture, effectively relieves high blood pressure. Also, regular practice of asanas, particularly pranayama can help ailments from arthritis to asthma to heart conditions. Laboratory tests have also proven that those who practice yoga can consciously control involuntary functions, such as body temperature, heartbeat and blood pressure.
Consider, Hatha Yoga. A study that evaluated the effects of Hatha Yoga demonstrated that it significantly increased lung capacity and respiration, reduced body weight, helped to resist stress and even resulted in a decrease in cholesterol and blood sugar level. Thus yoga has a very strong scientific basis and is highly beneficial.