The word “Yoga” originally comes from the ancient Sanskrit word “Yuji,” which means yoke or union. It is a traditional practice that combines mind and body together. It incorporates physical activity, breathing exercises, meditation, and improves the health of yoga practitioners in both mental and physical level.
Here are some health benefits of yoga that you should know.
1. Improves Flexibility
Our flexibility usually declines with age. What’s worse, most of us spend a lot of time sitting in the office, which leads to joint pain and inflexibility. The stretching poses of yoga can help you become more flexible, relieve fatigue, and reduce muscle and joint stiffness. One study showed that people improved their flexibility by up to 35% after only 8 weeks of yoga.
2. Builds Muscular Strength
Many yoga poses like downward dog, upward dog, and the plank pose can build muscular strength. Holding these poses for several long breaths will build strength in your hamstrings, quadriceps, and abs.
3. Maintains Joint Health and Relieves Back Pain
Most yoga movements are slow and mild, which allows you to exercise your joints without damaging them. It also strengthens the muscles around the joints and relieves fatigue. Yoga is recommended by the American College of Physicians as the primary treatment for chronic low back pain. Practising yoga regularly and gently can significantly relieve pain and improve the mobility of patients with arthritis.
4. Better Breathing
The breathing practice involved in yoga teaches you to focus on breaths and to take deeper breaths. Certain types of breath will help to clear nasal cavity and soothe the nervous system. Right breathing during yoga sessions will help you to relax and benefits the entire body.
5. Manages Stress
A study constructed by National Institutes of Health shows that yoga works well on stress management, weight loss and quality sleep. Yoga, combining with meditation, helps you to concentrate intently on what your body is doing and bring calmness to your mind. That’s why many yoga practitioners feel less stressed after a yoga session.
Yoga is a health practice that everyone can enjoy. No matter how old you are, you can still reap health benefits from yoga. So, what are you waiting for? Start your body healing journey with yoga now!
