What are the Physical Benefits of Yoga?

The word ‘yoga’ means union. It is a comprehensive system to cultivate a state of harmony within ourselves. It includes, but it not limited to, meditation, breathwork, kriya, chanting, ritual, physical poses, contemplation and self-study. Asana is a part of the physical practice, the postures of yoga.

As we move through space and time, we accumulate toxins. If we are not clearing our systems, these toxins can build up and result in blockages that can cause stiffness and hinder the free flow of energy (prana) through us. When this energy stagnates, disease can occur.

The practice of asana opens up the nadis (energy channels), allowing our energy to flow more freely. Toxins are then able to be removed and the body and mind become more flexible and steady as a result.

An asana practice is incredibly beneficial to our overall wellbeing. This purification of the body and mind is essential for health.

Some of the physical benefits of Yogasana include:

Increased Flexibility

In today’s world, many of us are spending long hours sitting in front of a computer or in a car. This can cause the hip flexors to shorten, resulting in lower back pain. The discs in your spine can also compress, leading to premature degeneration and chronic pain. But we don’t need to live this way.

We can make some time for ourselves, prepare our bodies to be sitting for such long periods of time and allow the body to open up and release after sitting for a prolonged period.

Yoga’s focus on mobility and flexibility can contribute to better alignment by releasing tight muscles and improving mobility of the spine which results in better posture and reduced discomfort.

Flexibility is such an important component of physical health. It improves mobility, posture, muscle coordination and reduces the risk of injury. So keep that body supple.

Reduced Inflammation

Chronic inflammation is associated with heart disease, diabetes, cancer, arthritis, Crohn’s disease and so many more.

Yoga reduces the level of inflammation that normally arises due to aging and stress. It has been shown to reduce the biochemical markers of inflammation across a multitude of chronic conditions as well.

Improved Balance

Balance is essential for simple, everyday tasks such as going down the stairs, reaching up to a high shelf, or picking something off the floor but as we age our balance can deteriorate.

A consistent yoga practice has been shown to improve balance, that steadiness in body and mind. This is not just beneficial for the older population. It is also beneficial for athletes, for those recovering from injuries, and for you and me. As we develop steadiness in body and mind, we are less swayed by the fluctuations of life.

Increased Immunity

Our body’s immune system plays a vital role in our health. It fights viruses, bacteria and defends us from ailments. But chronic stress negatively affects our immune systems and when immunity is compromised, we’re more susceptible to illness.

However, yoga is well-known to reduce stress. It also strengthens respiratory health. The controlled breathing improves blood flow, lowers stress levels and increases the efficiency of the lungs.

The practice of yogasana also encourages optimal function of all the organs by stimulating blood flow and improving circulation, allowing the organs to get the blood that they need.

Improved Cardiovascular Function

Yoga can lower your cholesterol and blood sugar levels by increasing metabolism and it can reduce blood pressure by improving artery relaxation.

Our cardiovascular systems also benefit greatly from controlling the pace of our breath and this is what yogic breathing (pranayama) does. Cardiovagal baroreflex sensitivity (BRS) increases, oxygen saturation improves and blood pressure is lowered, resulting in feeling good!

Improved Sleep

There are two aspects to sleep. One is a person’s ability to fall asleep and the other is the ability to stay asleep. Insomnia can affect one or both of these aspects.

However, yoga has been shown to improve both how quickly people fall asleep and how deeply they sleep. Yoga can lower blood pressure along with the level of the stress hormone cortisol, resulting in less stress and a better night’s sleep.

These are just a few of the amazing benefits of yoga. The more you practice, the more it reveals. Your life becomes upgraded on all levels of being - physically, mentally, emotionally and spiritually.

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