Eight Perks of Yoga

Yoga has been around for thousands of years. Originally from India, yoga has found extreme popularity around the world in the last fifty years or so. People who bend and contort into all of those impressive poses generally inspire awe to all that are in their presence.  But what are the benefits of yoga? Should we all be incorporating this practice in our lives everyday?

Flexibility

One of the most immediate and obvious benefits of yoga is increased flexibility.  By stretching into various poses and relaxing tendons, you can expect to acquire more flexibility when practicing yoga. Flexibility helps with balance and as we age, this increased balance reduces the the probability of falls and injuries.

Relaxation

The process of practicing yoga often lends itself to meditation which increases relaxation.  Regular yoga participants often enjoy long term reduction of stress and anxiety.

Insomnia

Due to relaxation associated with yoga, practitioners of yoga often find that at night, they are not as frequently plagued with insomnia. Usually the this is due to reduced stress and our next point...

Blood Flow

There is usually an increase of blood flow associated with regular yoga practice.  This blood flow can have the added benefit of increasing the heart rate and lowering blood pressure. And of course, these benefits are great if you suffer from hypertension.

Pain

Due to increased blood flow, and relaxation, the regular practice of yoga can also serve to help reduce chronic pain.

Posture

The spine aligns better with improved posture and this also helps with opening up the lungs. These are great benefits for both individuals with respiratory issues and people suffering with back problems.

Bones

The benefit of optimal posture also serves to help with bone health in general. Fluids housed within bones (called marrow) flows more efficiently when you engage in regular yoga practice. There is also a lessening of friction at the joints as yoga stimulates cartilages.

Fluid

And to that end, other bodily fluids flow through and out of the body more efficiently.  Namely, the lymph nodes have a better opportunity to drain as well as mucus housed within sinus cavities. These particular fluid movements aid in strengthening the immune system and reduces the duration of illnesses.

What are some benefits that you've personally enjoyed since starting a yoga routine?  Please leave a comment below.