Most of us know that yoga increases flexibility and reduces stress, but it’s the unknown and surprising benefits that make this practice a must for anyone looking to improve their overall life experience.
Better digestion: Sometimes you can’t help but eat fast, especially post-workout when your body is desperate for some fuel. However, yoga can build up your defenses against the urge to go overboard. A study published in the Journal of the American Dietetic Association found that a steady yoga practice is tied to mindful eating, particularly through breath awareness, which strengthens the mind-body connection.
Brain power: You may have heard that exercising can improve brain function, but yoga specifically has some mega mental benefits. Yoga uses the body and breath as tools to create equanimity and clarity in the mind. By synching movement with steady, conscious breath, we feel less stress and can better focus. A study in the Journal of Physical Activity and Health found that 20 minutes of Hatha yoga stimulates brain function more than walking or jogging on the treadmill for the same amount of time.
Boost immunity: Yoga has been found to boost immunity at the cellular level through changes in gene expression. According to the research, these benefits can be experienced rather quickly—while you’re still on the mat. In addition, by simply improving your overall health, yoga is able to strengthen your internal defense system.
Improvements at work: Yoga moves the body, creating physical space and stirring up energy. Then, when we sit in meditation, we observe that energy settle so we feel deep stillness. This extra 'head space' leads to better decisions, better work relationships, and increased productivity.
Eases depression: All exercise has been shown to help people with depression feel better, and yoga is no exception. A study from Duke University Medical Center suggested that yoga could benefit those living with depression, schizophrenia, other psychiatric conditions, and sleep problems. Practicing mindfulness through yoga and meditation also results in higher serotonin levels (the happiness hormone), and long-term practitioners have shown more mass in the areas of the brain associated with contentment.
Look for it: Published by Basic Health Publications on April 1st, Yoga Therapy and Integrative Medicine: Where Ancient Science Meets Modern Medicine is the first collaborative integrative medical textbook linking modern medicine and alternative therapies with the ancient science of Yoga. Reserve your copy at www.basichealthpub.com
No comments:
Post a Comment