Health benefits of yoga
IT has been in existence for thousands of years, but lately its popularity has skyrocketed. Yoga, a Hindu spiritual and ascetic discipline, which includes breath control, simple meditation, and the adoption of specific bodily postures, is widely practised for health and relaxation. But is it just a fad or does it truly have health benefits?
Rohan Gordon, personal trainer at Eden Gardens Wellness Resort and Spa, told All Woman that yoga has many health benefits as well as many forms. He explained that apart from the physical benefits involved, it uplifts you emotionally and enriches you spiritually.
“The effects of a stroke, for example, can be devastating both to mental and physical capabilities. Those who experience a stroke may lose their ability to speak clearly or for any analytical functions, for depth and distance perception, and their use of one or more limbs. However, yoga therapy can help a stroke victim regain some lost abilities as you become more aware of all muscle movements as they are necessary to achieve and maintain each pose. In addition, it also increases your flexibility and the range of motion of your muscles.”
Other benefits of yoga include:
1. Improving high blood pressure
Gordon said many people believe that practising yoga can help lower blood pressure by teaching breathing techniques and reducing stress.
2. Improving your mood
People who do yoga usually feel more relaxed, less tense, and less stressed and angry after sessions.
3. Pain management
Gordon said flexing and stretching can help pain-afflicted areas.
4. Strength and flexibility
Yoga increases your flexibility and the range of motion of your muscles. It improves your sense of balance by enhancing your self-perception and mindfulness of your own body. You become more aware of all muscle movements as they are necessary to achieve and maintain each pose.
Gordon said yoga is a terrific addition to the daily exercise routine for people of any age. Beginning yoga is a non-competitive, great place to start if you have not been working out for some time.
“Don’t forget that it is just one aspect of exercise that needs to be incorporated into a well-rounded plan,” Gordon said. “Cardiovascular workouts, interval training, strength training, and stretching will all work together with yoga to help you achieve not only better balance, but better overall health for the long term.”
–Kimberley Hibbert
