The many benefits of Yoga are the reasons why this ageless form of exercise has existed for so long.
Yoga has been around for thousands of years.
It involves a series of poses, breathing techniques, and meditation that can help improve physical and mental health. Yoga has become increasingly popular in the Western world in recent years as people recognize its numerous benefits.
The origin of Yoga.
The origin of yoga can be traced back to ancient India, where it emerged as a philosophical and spiritual practice thousands of years ago. The exact origin of yoga is uncertain, as the practice was initially transmitted orally and only later written down in various texts. However, the earliest written evidence of yoga comes from the Rigveda, an ancient Indian sacred text that dates back to around 1500 BCE.
What benefits does Yoga training come with?
One of the primary benefits of yoga is its ability to reduce stress and anxiety. Yoga has been shown to lower cortisol levels in the body, which is the hormone responsible for stress. By practicing yoga regularly, individuals can reduce their stress levels and improve their overall mental health.[1][7]
In addition to reducing stress, yoga can also help improve flexibility, strength, and balance. This is because many of the yoga poses involve stretching and holding different positions, which can help increase flexibility and build strength.[2]
Furthermore, yoga has been shown to have numerous physical health
benefits. It can help reduce inflammation in the body, which can benefit individuals with conditions such as arthritis.[3] Yoga has also been shown to lower blood pressure and improve heart health.[4]
Other benefits of Yoga are improved sleep and relaxation.
For individuals who struggle with insomnia, yoga can be an effective tool for improving sleep quality. Certain poses, such as the legs-up-the-wall pose, can help promote relaxation and ease tension in the body, which can make it easier to fall asleep and stay asleep.[5]
Lastly, yoga can also be beneficial for individuals who suffer from chronic pain. Studies have shown that yoga can help reduce pain levels and improve the overall quality of life for individuals with chronic pain conditions such as fibromyalgia.[6]
Conclusion.
In conclusion, yoga is a powerful tool for improving both physical and mental health. The benefits of Yoga can help you to reduce stress and anxiety, improve flexibility and strength, and even alleviate chronic pain. By incorporating yoga into your daily routine, you can experience these numerous benefits for yourself.
References:
[1] Harvard Health Publishing. (2021). “Yoga for better mental health.” Harvard Health. https://www.health.harvard.edu/staying-healthy/yoga-for-better-mental-health.
[2] American Osteopathic Association. (n.d.). The benefits of yoga. American Osteopathic Association. https://osteopathic.org/what-is-osteopathic-medicine/benefits-of-yoga/.
[3] National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health. (2016, February). Yoga: What you need to know. National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health. https://www.nccih.nih.gov/health/yoga-what-you-need-to-know
[4] Harvard Health Publishing. (2016, May). “How yoga may enhance heart health”. Harvard Health. https://www.health.harvard.edu/heart-health/how-yoga-may-enhance-heart-health
[5] National Sleep Foundation. (n.d.). “Yoga and sleep.” National Sleep Foundation. https://www.sleepfoundation.org/physical-activity/yoga-and-sleep.
[6] National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health. (2020, October). Yoga for pain. National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health. https://www.nccih.nih.gov/health/yoga-for-pain.
[7] Masoumeh Shohani, Gholamreza Badfar, Marzieh Parizad Nasirkandy, Sattar Kaikhavani, Shoboo Rahmati, Yaghoob Modmeli, Ali Soleymani, and Milad Azami. (2018) “The Effect of Yoga on Stress, Anxiety, and Depression in Women”, National Library of Medicine.