Practicing yoga offers both physical  and mental  health benefits to people of all ages. The practice of yoga was relatively unknown to the western world until the late 1890s. Yoga developed in parallel with the Hindu religion, but it is a philosophy rather than a religion.

Some people think that yoga is all about physical poses, but it includes contemplative practices like meditation as well. Modern yoga practices are somewhat different from traditional yoga. Scientists studying the practice of yoga have discovered plenty of evidence to support its health benefits. Here are few proven benefits of developing a yoga practice.

Improve Balance, Strength and Flexibility

Holding yoga poses can help to improve muscle strength and balance. For example, the tree pose requires balancing on one foot and hold the other foot to the calf at a right angle. Flexibility is an important component of physical health. Reduced flexibility is a natural result of aging, and yoga involves stretching, which improves flexibility. There are many styles of yoga to choose from, and even the lowest intensity styles can improve flexibility.

Improves the Learning Process

The western world discovered the benefits of yoga relatively recently, but its history goes back centuries. An online service that gives you access to 19th century essay examples can help you to understand more about this period. Yoga, awareness and proper nutrition are some of the factors that have brought about qualitative changes in life for women and for men. Online help is also available from professional writers to write essays for students. This also includes thesis, dissertations, personal statements, bibliography and much more.

Reduces Stress

Practicing yoga can reduce stress and decrease inflammation. Scientists are beginning to learn some of the mechanisms behind why this happens. Studies show that people who practice yoga on a regular basis have low cortisol levels. When stress hormones like cortisol are released all the time, it can damage blood vessels and raise blood pressure.

Various studies also show that the practice of yoga can help to relieve anxiety. The physical aspect of yoga, and other aspects such as meditation and breathing, can all significantly alleviate tension and stress.

Decreases Lower Back Pain

Lower back pain affects many people, hindering their ability to perform daily tasks, exercise and sleep. A 2017 analysis found a link between yoga and relief of lower back pain. The effects are comparable to those achieved from undergoing physical therapy, and can last for several months.

The American College of Physicians recommends yoga for treating chronic lower back pain. One of the poses that can help is the cat-cow pose. You need to get down on all fours for this pose. As you inhale, your stomach drops towards the floor. As you exhale, you draw your navel to your spine and arch your spine like a cat stretching.

Improves Heart Health

Heart disease is one of the leading causes of death in the U.S. Chronic inflammation is often a precursor to this type of  illnesses. An analysis of yoga and heart health studies found that yoga can reduce some of the risk factors for heart disease. Yoga appears to reduce the biochemical markers of inflammation, and seems to lower blood pressure and cholesterol levels.

Improves Quality of Life During Illness

When people suffer from illness, yoga can complement medical treatments. For example, yoga can improve balance after a stroke. People with rheumatoid arthritis can reduce inflammation and improve their physical and psychological symptoms by doing yoga. Arthritis, chronic pain, women’s health issues, cancer and other conditions can benefit from practicing yoga. Participating in yoga classes can also provide people suffering from illness with a supportive community.

Increases Energy Levels

People who get into the routine of practicing yoga often feel increased mental and physical energy. They feel more alert and enthusiastic and experience fewer negative feelings. As yoga focuses on breathing, strength, and flexibility, it can improve people’s daily lives and enable them to experience a better quality of life.

Boosts Immunity

Research is ongoing, but practicing yoga seems to be linked with better functioning of the immune system. By boosting immunity,  practitioners are less susceptible to illness. This is probably in part due to its ability to reduce inflammation.

Conclusion

The practice of yoga offers many benefits, and this is backed by scientific proof. It has many benefits for physical health, like improving balance and decreasing lower back pain. It also helps with mental health and can ease the symptoms of anxiety and depression. Scientists are discovering what practitioners have known for centuries – the practice of yoga is very beneficial for overall wellbeing.

Author’s Bio

Mary Spears writes academic essays, thesis, e-books and video scripts on a freelance platform where she is one of the top performers. Her work ethic and on-target writing have made her the number one choice for several clients on the website. Her free time is for enjoying funny videos online and volunteering in clean beach drives in her town.