Yoga originates from India and has been around for centuries. It is more than a physical exercise. Yoga means a union of the body, mind and breath. It helps to bring harmony between mind, body and spirit.
There are very few individuals who believe in the benefits of yoga, as you do not sweat nor does it get your heart pumping. The fact is that yoga has a myriad of health benefits. It helps in improving physical and mental health. There are many people who have tried yoga and discovered that it helps them feel better. It is important to remember that the results do not show over night, but as you practice yoga you will be able to experience a harmonious relationship with your inner self.
The various effects of yoga are:
Besides stretching your muscles, yoga also stretches your ligaments, tendons and the fascia sheath that surrounds the muscle. Yoga increases lubrication in the joints and also increases the range of motion in joints. Thus a consistent practice of yoga asana improves flexibility.
Yoga includes asana or postures that include bending forward, back ward, balancing, stretching and twisting. These postures involve a rigorous workout for the body. Regular practice of this asana helps to increase bone and muscular strength.
The increased flexibility and strength offers better posture. Performing various asana helps to develop core strength. This core strength improves your posture while sitting or standing.
Yoga includes pranayam or the practice of deep breathing that helps to improve lung capacity. Yoga emphasizes on deep breathing and lengthening your breath, this in turn improves sports performance and endurance. Deep breathing also offers fresh oxygen to our body cells, provides energy, helps to release toxins and promotes healthy cell growth.
Yoga helps to achieve a meditative state even while performing physically demanding asanas. It increases the ability to relax and helps to maintain internal peace. Studies suggest that yoga decreases the hormones produced by the adrenal glands in response to stress that creates a feeling of relaxation.
Yoga exercises with forward bend increases exhalation by lengthening and deepening the breath which helps in developing concentration. Researchers from the American College of Sports Medicine who assessed participants in yoga classes found a significant improvement in concentration in all the participants.
Yoga increases the supply of oxygen to the body which in turn reduces stress and endures mental clarity. Yoga helps to control your mind even in panic conditions; this boosts your confidence to face any situation.
It has been studied that yoga has its effects on the heart. Yoga slows the heart rate and helps to lower blood pressure. Yoga helps to decrease cholesterol levels and triglyceride levels as well as boosts immune system. Lower heart rate and lower cholesterol and triglycerides levels together benefits the heart.
Yoga helps in decreasing symptoms of depression. Various studies suggest that performing yoga releases blocked feelings such as anger or grief.
Performing yoga gently stretches your muscles and joints and ensures optimum blood supply to various parts of the body. This helps in flushing out toxins from the body and provides nourishments to every cell. Yoga also offers improved health and resistance to diseases and hence delays ageing.
Regardless of your age and health status, it is important to start your yoga exercises slowly and gently. At the end of the yoga session, you should feel relaxed, calm and invigorated if you feel tired or a pain in any part of your body, it is important to talk to your instructor.
There are various hidden benefits of yoga, as you practice yoga positive effects begin to show. To explore the hidden benefits of yoga it is important to practice it regularly and experience the difference.
