What are Health benefits of yoga?

Health benefits of yoga

The practice of yoga asanas develops strength and flexibility, while soothing your nerves and calming your mind. The asanas affect the muscles, joints and skin, and the whole body – glands, nerves, internal organs, bones, respiration and the brain. The physical building blocks of yoga are the posture and the breath.

Health benefits of yoga include:

Cardiovascular system (heart and arteries)

asanas are isometric, which means they rely on holding muscle tension for a few seconds to several minutes. This improves cardiovascular health and circulation. Studies show that regular yoga practice may help normalise blood pressure.

Digestive system

improved blood circulation and the massaging effect of surrounding muscles improves and promotes normal digestion.

Musculoskeletal

joints are moved through their full range of motion, which encourages mobility and eases pressure. The gentle stretching releases muscle and joint tension, and stiffness, and also increases flexibility. Maintaining many of the asanas encourages strength and endurance. Weight-bearing asanas may help prevent osteoporosis, and may also help people already diagnosed with osteoporosis (if practiced with a qualified yoga professional and guided by an allied health professional). Long-term benefits include reduced back pain and improved posture.

Nervous system

improved blood circulation, easing of muscle tension and the act of focusing the mind on the breath all combine to soothe the nervous system. Long-term benefits include reduced stress, anxiety and fatigue, better concentration and energy levels, and increased feelings of calm and wellbeing.