5 Incredible Health Benefits of Yoga

This post discusses five incredible health benefits of yoga.

When people think of yoga, one of the first things that comes to mind are images of individuals twisting themselves into pretzels.

To many, it looks interesting, challenging, and maybe just a little bit intimidating. However, this ancient practice holds a wealth of benefits for the mind, body, and spirit.

Today we’re diving head-first into 5 of the most incredible health benefits of yoga!

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What is Yoga and What Does it Do?

Yoga is known as a holistic practice that originated over 5,000 years ago in Northern India.

The word “yoga” itself, comes from the Sanskrit root “Yuj”, which means to join or unite.

This sacred practice aims to unite the individual consciousness with the universal consciousness, signifying the perfect harmony of body, mind, and spirit.

While yoga is filled with postures or poses called “asanas”, its health benefits go far beyond just exercise.

#1 Health Benefit of Yoga: Back Pain

Does yoga help with back pain?

Yes, yoga incorporates both isotonic (transitioning in and out of poses) and isometric (holding a pose) elements. These types of exercises help strengthen specific muscle groups within the body that work to support the spine, making yoga extremely effective at reducing back pain.

Movement is really good for the back and yoga offers this in spades. It provides a gentle approach to strengthening as well as stretching the body to lessen overall tension.

The deep stretching of muscular tissue and flexing of others increases flexibility and mobility in the muscles and joints.

Thus, if easing back pain is the goal, then yoga makes for an ideal tool to reduce and possibly even eliminate further discomfort.

#2 Health Benefits of Yoga: Arthritis

Does yoga help with arthritis?

Yes, yoga has been shown to soothe some of the symptoms associated with arthritis like tender, swollen joints.

Studies have indicated that severe joint pain from arthritis is more common among physically inactive adults.

Consistent physical exercise can maintain muscular strength, decrease bone deterioration, and lubricate the carriage surrounding the joints, reducing stiffness and pain.

#3 Health Benefits of Yoga: Heart Health

Does yoga help with heart health?

Yes, one of the benefits of yoga, if practiced regularly, is that it may reduce stress and overall inflammation which contributes to a healthy heart.

Yoga could also serve people who are recovering from cardiac-related issues.

In a 2014 study, researchers observed significant improvements in blood flow and cholesterol levels among the participants who took part in a cardiac rehab program that involved yoga.

It was compared to individuals treated with a more traditional approach to cardiac rehab.

Practicing yoga regularly may help lower your heart rate, blood sugar, cholesterol, and blood pressure.

It’s additionally a great program to start, according to the American Heart Association, for preventative care for those who may be at high risk of heart issues.

#4 Health Benefits of Yoga: Balance

Does yoga help with balance?

Yes, there are several yoga postures as well as sequences that specifically target balance and stability. This serves to benefit individuals of all ages and fitness levels.

Balance starts to decline sometime around age 50 heightening the risks of falls and injuries.

Adopting a yogic regular practice could help prevent this, fostering a greater sense of stability and physical confidence later in life.

Yoga also helps correct poor posture and body misalignment issues decreasing the strain on joints and muscles.

#5 Health Benefits of Yoga: Emotional Regulation

Does yoga help with emotional regulation?

Yes. Yoga promotes emotional health by strengthening the connection with the inner self.

It encourages self-awareness and acceptance giving individuals the tools to deal with feelings such as anger, anxiety, and depression in a healthy way.

Yoga helps people develop emotional resilience allowing them to face life’s challenges head-on with grace.

Try Yoga!

We’ve only scratched the surface of all the incredible health benefits of yoga. However, it’s safe to say yoga can improve your life in many ways.

If you haven’t already, why not give it a try?

There are many different forms of the practice so you’ll be sure to find one that fits your unique style.

Plus, there is a giant community of yogis who are just beaming with positive energy and can’t wait to meet you.

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