If you are wondering whether to start on Yoga you need to consider the benefits of Yoga Practices such as Yoga Asanas ( postures) , Prana Yama ( energy control, using breath), Mindfulness ( Dharana in Sanskrit or one-pointed Concentration), and Meditation.
National survey data by the US Department of Health & Human Services(National Institute of Health) in 2012 showed that 94 percent of adults who practiced yoga did it for wellness-related reasons, while 17.5 percent did it to treat a specific health condition. (The numbers add up to more than 100 percent because some people reported doing both.
Most adults who practiced yoga said that it helped in these wellness-related ways:
- 86 percent said it reduced stress
- 67 percent said it helped them feel better emotionally
- 63 percent said it motivated them to exercise more regularly
- 59 percent said it improved sleep
- 82 percent said it improved overall health and made them feel better.
- Smaller numbers of people reported other benefits:
- 43 percent said yoga motivated them to eat healthier
- 39 percent said yoga eased coping with health problems
- 25 percent of people who currently smoke cigarettes said yoga motivated them to cut back or stop smoking cigarettes
- 12 percent of people who currently drink alcohol said yoga motivated them to cut back or stop drinking alcohol.
Let me summarise some of the many known benefits that have been recorded based on scientific studies).
- Improves your flexibility
- Builds muscle strength & Prevents cartilage and joint breakdown
- Supports your connective tissue, improves your posture & protects your spine
- Improves your bone health
- Increases your blood flow and drains your lymphatic s and boosts immunity
- Ups your heart rate and drops your blood pressure
- Regulates your adrenal glands and improves your mood
- Lowers blood sugar & LDL (bad) cholesterol
- Improves your balance, releases tension in your limbs
- Helps you focus, relaxes, and maintains your nervous system and also gives you peace of mind
- Boosts your immune system functionality
- Improves your lung capacity
- Uses breath control and sounds to soothe your sinus issues
- Prevents IBS and other digestive problems
- Eases your pain, helps you sleep deeper
- Enhances your inner strength
- Builds awareness for transformation of the mind thus benefitting your relationships
A well-balanced practice of Yoga asanas comprising of some standing, seated, lying down with twists, backbends, forward bends, and inversions incorporated will give you immense benefits. If you have medical conditions – ex. Hypertension, diabetes, thyroid – or injuries always consult your doctor before you start on yoga. Also, inform your yoga teacher of your medical conditions.
An experienced yoga teacher can guide you into your asana practice and eventually empower you to carry on with your self-practice at home or while traveling.
Drop me an email on sanatanayogaacademy@gmail.com or call me on +61438496040 (using Whatsapp if you are living outside Australia) if you want to discuss your specific issues and how Yoga practices and diet can help improve your situation. Join our community( can insert hyperlink to Join our Community in the Home page) to receive more of this type of blogs that may be useful to you.
