November 8, 2009

The Health Benefits of Yoga

“Relax your body and mind and let your Spirit soar high.”     – Remez Sasson

Yoga is a way to relax both your mind and body which allows your spirit to shine. Originating as an ancient Indian practice, yoga is a type of meditation that involves stretching and other exercises including deep breathing and maintaining an awareness of your mind and body. Actually, there is a growing amount of research showing that yoga is beneficial to your physical and mental health and well-being.

Physically, yoga helps to improve blood pressure, reduces heart rate, increases strength, and enhances your overall fitness. In return, it also works to reduce stress and anxiety as well as to ease feelings of depression and insomnia. Neuroscientists at Harvard Medical School have found that yoga lessens the body’s stress response by decreasing certain stress hormones.

Other researchers are finding that yoga may also reduce symptoms of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in people who have experienced something very painful or traumatic. They suggest that the body oriented techniques like yoga can help increase awareness in the body and help victims of trauma stay more focused on the present moment. By alleviating anxiety and improving your mood, yoga can help you get through tough times in your life.

Yoga can be helpful to anyone who is experiencing stress in their lives. By reducing stress, it can help you get a better night’s sleep, reduce tension and anxiety, and offer relief to feelings of depression. Clearing your mind and relaxing your body allows you to find more inner peace and emotional balance. Practicing yoga regularly can help you bring your inner life back into harmony.

For more information about the health benefits of yoga, you can visit the following website: http://www.webmd.com/balance/the-health-benefits-of-yoga.

Filed under Happiness & Well-Being