Many studies have
been conducted to
determine which
areas will benefit
from an extended
practice of yoga.
Yoga practitioners
are most likely to
see improvements in
the areas of
physiology,
psychology, and
biochemistry.
Furthermore,
practitioners of
yoga speak of a
unification of the
body, mind and
spirit achieved
through the practice
of yoga exercises
and breathing
techniques. But, of
course, that is a
bit difficult to
test scientifically.
Yoga Is An
Ancient Way of Life
Yoga is not a
recent development.
It has been
practiced for
thousands of years,
during which time
people have greatly
benefited from it. 1
of the fundamental
beliefs shared by
yogis is that the
mind and the body
are a unified
system, which in a
proper environment,
can find harmony and
self-healing.
Demonstrated
Health Benefits
Many doctors
consider yoga to
have therapeutic
results, and
recommend it for
several illnesses
and conditions,
mainly related to
the nervous system.
From the
physiological point
of view, extended
yoga practice can
benefit:
- pulse rate
- respiratory
problems
- blood pressure
dysfunctions
- help stabilize the
nervous system
- gastrointestinal
functions
- endocrine function
- the range of
motion in joints
- endurance
- energy level
- immunity to
diseases
- cardiovascular
efficiency
- improve eye-hand
coordination
- reaction time
- dexterity
- depth perception
- sleep
- etc.
Yoga’s
psychological
benefits include:
- enhanced somatic
and kinesthetic
awareness
- self-acceptance
- self-actualization
- social skills
- well-being
- concentration
- memory
- attention
- mood
- learning
efficiency
- and more
As for the
biochemical benefits
of yoga, tests have
shown improvements
in:
- glucose
- sodium
- cholesterol
- total white blood
cell count
- vitamin C
- total serum
protein
- hemoglobin.
Deep Organ and
Joint Stimulation
Various studies
revealed that yoga
exercises are
extremely effective
at increasing joint
flexibility, and at
lubricating and
strengthening the
joints, ligaments
and tendons. Another
interesting finding
is that yoga is one
of the very few
forms of exercise
capable of massaging
all the internal
organs and glands.
This includes organs
that are rarely
stimulated, such as
the prostate. The
stimulation and
massaging of the
internal organs
proves to be
extremely beneficial
for health.
Elimination of
Toxins
These ancient and
efficient yoga
techniques also
provide a thorough
detoxification of
the body. Stretching
the muscles and
performing a
complete yoga
workout acts as a
massage, thereby
ensuring the optimal
blood supply to
every organ.
Consequently, toxins
are eliminated from
the body and certain
undesired processes,
such as aging, are
delayed.
All of these
remarkable health
benefits are
available from yoga
practice. What are
you waiting for?
Let's go find a yoga
school!
Ron King is a
full-time
researcher, writer,
and web developer.
Visit
Yoga to learn
more about this
fascinating and
healthful hobby.
Copyright 2005
Ron King. This
article may be
reprinted if the
resource box is left
intact.
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