I recently started practicing Yoga again on a weekly basis, and I wanted to share some of the Health benefits that I have found from practicing Yoga.  I always feel mentally and physically refreshed after practicing yoga, and here are some of the benefits listed.

Physical Benefits

Many people find that the relaxation techniques incorporated in yoga can lessen chronic pain, such as lower back pain, arthritis, and headaches.

Other physical benefits of yoga include:

  • Increased flexibility
  • Increased muscle strength and tone
  • Improved respiration, energy and vitality
  • Maintaining a balanced metabolism
  • Weight reduction
  • Cardio and circulatory health
  • Improved athletic performance
  • Protection from injury

Mental Benefits

Aside from the physical benefits, one of the best benefits of yoga is how it helps you manage stress, which is known to have devastating effects on the body and mind.  I see it every day with my patients…stress can reveal itself in many ways, including back or neck pain, sleeping problems, headaches, and an inability to concentrate. Yoga can be very effective in developing coping skills and reaching a more positive outlook on life.

Yoga’s incorporation of meditation and breathing can help improve a person’s mental well-being. Regular yoga practice can help create mental clarity and calmness; increase your body awareness; relieve chronic stress patterns; relax your mind; and maybe even sharpen concentration.

While there are more than 100 different types, or schools, of yoga, most sessions typically include breathing exercises, meditation, and assuming postures that stretch and flex various muscle groups.

Beginners Are Welcome

Because there are so many different kinds of yoga practices, it is possible for anyone to start.

There are more than 100 different forms of yoga. Some are fast-paced and intense. Others are gentle and relaxing.

Examples of different yoga forms include:

Hatha – the form most often associated with yoga, it combines a series of basic movements with breathing.

Vinyasa – a series of poses that flow smoothly into one another.

Power – a faster, higher-intensity practice that builds muscle.

Ashtanga – a series of poses, combined with a special breathing technique.

Bikram – also known as “hot yoga,” it’s a series of 26 challenging poses performed in a room heated to a high temperature.

Iyengar a type of yoga that uses props like blocks, straps, and chairs to help you move your body into the proper alignment.

Getting Started

Classes are a great way to get into yoga, even if you’re already pretty fit. In addition to yoga studios, classes are widely available at health clubs, community centers and spas. Most of these places offer introductory or gentle yoga classes that will familiarize you with the basic yoga format and style.

Give Yoga a go, you might be surprised how much you like it.

I believe that Yoga is a lot like Chiropractic in that they both focus on your body’s natural tendency toward health and self-healing.

If you have any questions about this Blog or your health in general you can contact me at: [email protected]