If you have any knowledge at all about yoga, you probably know that the goal is to bring together your body, mind, and spirit. Yogis tell us that your mind and body are one, and if provided with the correct tools and used in the right environment, it will be harmonious and heal itself.
Yoga is therapeutic and helps you to become aware of your body’s alignment and movement. Your body will be more flexible and relaxed, even during stressful times. It’s actually a science that’s been practiced for 1000’s of years. It’s made up of ancient principles, observations, and theories that tell us that the mind and the body are connected.
Modern medicine is even beginning to prove these ancient theories with studies having been done. The research looks at the three composites of Yoga:
* Meditation
* Postures or Asanas
* Breathing or Pranayama
The benefits of yoga fit into three different categories; biochemical, psychological, and physiological.
Here are the proven benefits of yoga, broken up into their respective categories:
Biochemical Benefits of Yoga
Decreased glucose
Decreased sodium
Decreased cholesterol
Decreased triglycerides
Decreased HDL cholesterol
Decreased LDL cholesterol
Decreased VLDL cholesterol
Decreased catecholamines
Decreased Catecholamines
Decreased total white blood cell count
Increased Vitamin C
Increased Thyroxin
Increased Lymphocyte count
Increased total serum protein
Increased cholinesterase
Increased ATPase
Increased Hematocrit
Increased Hemoglobin
Physiological Benefits of Yoga
Integrated functioning of body parts improves
Pain decreases
Immunity increases
Endurance increases
Steadiness improves
Energy level increases
Sleep improves
Weight normalizes
Balance improves
depth perception improves
Increase in strength and resilience
Reaction time lessens
Improved posture
Decrease pulse rate
Decreased respiratory rate
Decrease blood pressure
Stable autonomic nervous system equilibrium
Increase in Galvanic Skin Response (GSR)
Decreased EMG activity
Increased cardiovascular efficiency
Normalized gastrointestinal efficiency
Normalized endocrine functioning
Improved excretory functioning
Increased joint flexibility and range of motion
Increased grip strength
Improved eye-to-hand coordination
Increased dexterity
Psychological Benefits of Yoga
Improved mood and feeling of well-being
Improved self-acceptance
Improved self-actualization
Increased social adjustment
Improved concentration
Improved memory
Increased attention span
Increased social skills
Increased learning capacity
Decreased anger and hostility
Decreased Anxiety
Decreased Depression