Believe it or not, but yoga can help you to live a healthier life. Numerous medical researches are beginning to prove the most constructive benefits of yoga, which experienced practitioners have long predicted. Here are some of the main yoga health benefits.
The slow and controlled movements and positions of yoga have been shown to decrease a chronic pain and joint swelling in rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis sufferers at Johns Hopkins Arthritis Center. And that is one of the health benefits of yoga.
The study conducted by the American College of Sports Medicine had found 43% improvement of symptoms in patients after 10 weeks of a yoga practice. Yoga’s emphasis on deep and lengthened breaths and posture improves lung capacity, oxygen efficiency and overall airflow that can reduce the severity and frequency of asthmatic attacks.
3. Blood pressure
Yale University School of Medicine had found reduced diastolic and systolic blood pressure levels in patients with hypertension who practiced meditation therapies and yoga. The results were compared with drug therapy. Increased blood circulation and oxygenation are the most important outcomes of an ongoing yoga practice.
4. Back pain
A research at the West Virginia University School of Medicine found that after 3 months of a yoga practice, 88% of people stopped or reduced taking pain medication and 70% of them reported less lower-back pain. Body awareness and alignment during yoga practice reduce different types of chronic and acute back pain, including herniated discs, sciatica, and scoliosis.
In the issue of the Journal of the American Dietetic Association was reported a unique connection between a yoga practice and healthy eating. It is believed that yoga increases mindful eating, that means being more aware of what you eat and when to stop.
6. Anxiety and depression
Researchers at Boston University’s School of Medicine found that 27% increase of the neurotransmitter GABA in the brain after 60 minute yoga practice. Low GABA levels have been linked to anxiety, depression, and Alzheimer’s disease. Slowing the breath and heart rate reduce the body’s stress response. More: 10 Best Ways to Energize Yourself Every Day
Yoga as well as regular physical exercise can improve sleep. Calming for both the mind and the body, restorative yoga poses are recommended for those who have trouble falling asleep or staying asleep all night. A small study at Harvard Medical School’s Brigham and Women’s Hospital had found statistically significant improvements in all aspects of staying, falling, and awaking from sleep.
It doesn’t matter what your mental or physical capacities are, there is certainly a benefit to adding yoga into your life. What other health benefits of yoga do you know? Share your thoughts, please!