Health Benefits of Yoga

By Kreg Weiss, B HKin • December 31st, 2009 • 5897 Views

The yoga practice acts as a therapeutic tool to heal the body and the mind.

When you practice regularly, the health benefits become apparent.

The yoga poses (asanas), breathing (pranayama), and meditation come together to provide a large number of physiological and psychological changes.  This article will list these physiological and psychological benefits of yoga practice.
 

Physiological Benefits of Yoga

• increases muscle flexibility and joint range of motion 
• increases muscular strength, endurance, and joint stability
• improves posture, steadiness, coordination, and balance
• decreases joint and back pain 
• increases immunity
• improves sleep and increases energy levels
• decreases heart rate and increase cardiovascular efficiency 
• decreases respiratory rate and improves respiratory efficiency
• reduces high blood pressure 
• improves digestion and normalizes gastrointestinal function 
• improves excretory functions and reduces constipation and Irritable Bowel Syndrome
• improves flow of lymphatic system, thus helps in removal of toxins 
• normalizes endocrine (hormone) function
• normalizes weight and body composition
• increases bone density and decreases onset of osteoporosis
• decreases blood sugar levels 
• decreases sodium 
• decreases total cholesterol 
• increases HDL (good) cholesterol /decreases LDL and VLDL (bad) cholesterol 
• decreases triglycerides 
• increases grip strength 
• EEG - alpha brain waves increase leading to a restful mental state
• brings autonomic nervous system to stable equilibrium
• improves dexterity, reaction time, and depth perception
• increases Galvanic Skin Response (GSR)

Psychological Benefits of Yoga

• improves concentration and attention 
• decreases anxiety, internal stress and depression
• improves mood and sense of well-being
• increases self-acceptance and self-actualization 
•  improves learning efficiency and memory 
•  increases somatic and kinesthetic awareness (body/mind connection)
• decreases aggression and hostility
•  increases social skills 
•  improves depth perception

Kreg Weiss is a co-founder of My Yoga Online and certified Hatha Yoga Teacher. Several years ago, Kreg discovered yoga while teaching health and fitness. Yoga dramatically transformed Kreg's approach to teaching health and wellness as well as changed his personal life bringing new direction in finding physical, mental, and spiritual growth.

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Location:  Montreal, CA

Kreg is a certified Hatha Yoga Teacher and Kinesiologist (exercise science).  All of his classes integrate a purposeful, meditative quality to allow for an experience of connection and reflection while the body explores expansion and renewal. Kreg acquired...