Yoga and its asanas or postures may have originated in the East, but even the western world has now accepted it as an alternative form of medicine for many ailments and to generally keep fit. Let’s take a look at some of the well known
health benefits of Yoga.
1. Yoga’s impact on cardiovascular fitness
Asanas are the backbone of Yoga which involve holding the body in certain positions along with breath control. It is because of this very reason that
Yoga gives cardiovascular fitness to the body. Long term practice of Yoga can also reduce risks associated to cardiovascular diseases.
2. Improved blood circulation
Another health benefit of Yoga is that it boosts and regulates blood circulation because of the intricate movements and postures that the exercises entail. Improved blood circulation has a wide range of benefits such as improving and aiding the digestive system and easing muscle tension.
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3. Regular practicing of Yoga leads to a better posture
Yoga revolves around the art of perfecting muscle movements and posture stances. People who’ve been practicing Yoga for a long period of time claim that Yoga benefits them by helping them carry the right posture on a daily basis, even at times when they are not practicing it.
4. Yoga heals and prevents muscular injuries
Yoga and its postures also include giving and releasing tension to specific muscle groups which have long term benefits such as healing and prevention of muscle injuries. Other exercises may not yield the same health benefits as Yoga because they are often centered around specific movements that don’t allow putting muscles through their full range of motion. All this including weight bearing asanas, if practiced the right way, can increase muscle strength without causing harm or long term muscle tissue damage.
5. Psychological health benefits of Yoga
Besides the physical health benefits of Yoga that we talked about, this ancient discipline also benefits the mind by helping practitioners to reduce stress, anxiety, improve mood and focusing abilities. The focus of movement and breathing has an overall calming effect on the body which yields the above benefits.
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