The science of yoga has been practiced for more than five thousand years as a way to find harmony and balance between the mind, the body, and the spirit. Yogis believe that the combination of yoga and the right environment, the body, as it is one with the mind, can heal itself. Thanks to modern medicine, what were once just theories and observations about the connection of the mind and body are now proven facts. There are many benefits to practicing yoga, from psychological to physiological to biochemical effects.
Psychological – One of the principles of yoga is meditation, which is the constant observation of the mind. Focusing your mind at one point and making it still allows you to perceive the ‘self’ better, thus giving you a greater sense of purpose and strength of will. It does not only make you more conscious about the things happening around you, it also helps you become more aware of the things happening within yourself. Practicing yoga will
1. improve your memory
2. increase your social skills
3. increase your self-acceptance and your self-actualization
4. decrease anxiety and depression
5. improve your concentration
6. decrease hostility
Physiological – Asanas (Yoga Postures) improve your health, increase your body’s resistance, as well as develop your mental awareness. There are yoga styles that teach you new and different ways to move your body, enabling you to develop strength, flexibility, and balance. Practicing yoga will
7. improve your posture
8. increase your strength and resiliency
9. improve your depth perception
10. normalize gastrointestinal function
11. increase your cardiovascular and respiratory efficiency
12. improve your eye-and-hand coordination
Biochemical Effects – “When the breath wanders the mind also is unsteady. But when the breath is calmed the mind too will be still, and the yogi achieves long life. Therefore, one should learn to control the breath.” - Svatmarama, Hatha Yoga Pradipika
Pranayama (Breathing Exercise) is one of the five principles of yoga, which promotes proper breathing to bring more oxygen to the blood and to the brain, and to control the vital life energy. The union of the Asanas and Pranayama is considered to be the highest form of purification and self-discipline. Practicing yoga will
13. decrease your total cholesterol
14. increase your hemoglobin count
15. decrease your total white blood cell count
16. decrease your sugar level and your sodium level
17. decrease your triglycerides, therefore lowering the risk of heart disease and stroke
18. increase thyroxine, one of the thyroid hormones responsible for the regulation of metabolism
