5 THINGS I LOVE ABOUT YOGA

Yoga has its origin in India some 5000 years ago. It’s practised to unite the inner consciousness to universal consciousness. Yoga refers to spiritual practice and not just the inclusion of the poses. There has been many surveys and studies stating to improve the quality of life by different means.

5 Things I love about Yoga

1. Reduces Stress

In surveys, People reported that continuous practice of Yoga helps to destress. It also increases the capability to deal with acute stress on day to day basis. The yoga includes Postures, Breathing techniques and Meditation. The techniques used in Yoga especially Breathing exercises inhibit the sympathetic nervous system.

It stimulates the parasympathetic nervous system which induces more calmness & relaxation. HRV (heart rate variability)is an indicator of mental health and the nervous system. In a STUDY. Yoga acts as an alternative mode in reducing stress and anxiety.

Pranayama

The commonly used breathing exercises in yoga is called Pranayama. The Yoga practise includes static postures which help to elongate the muscles by deep stretching. Stretching helps to lower down cortisol levels. Pranayama involves practising deep breathing, the diaphragmatic breathing.

It is the most natural and efficient way of breathing thereby improving oxygen supply to organs and tissues. It also helps control High blood pressure in stressed individuals.

2. Improves Digestion

Breathing exercises and yoga postures improve digestion by stimulating the Vagus nerve. Vagus nerve is known as GUT-BRAIN axis, a component of the parasympathetic system. People under high stress are more prone to sluggish digestion and excretion.

Yoga helps improve digestion by increasing Vagal tone. Enhanced Vagal tone stimulates the release of digestive juices to aid digestion. It also stimulates the peristaltic movements of the large intestine for effective bowel evacuation. In various Studies, yoga helps people with IBS.

3. Improves Overall Wellness

I love Yoga because it helps improve overall health and wellness. In a Study, the Yoga markedly improves overall wellness by reducing emotional distress in cancer patients. It was used as an adjunct therapy with undergoing cancer treatment. Yoga improves quality of life by improving emotional stability, physical fitness and tolerance to stress in a multidirectional way.

4. Reduces Back & Joint pain

Yoga reduces back pain by increasing the mobility of the spine and strengthening the back muscles. People in sitting jobs are more prone to back issues. It is due to weak or dormant gluteal muscles and shortened Psoas muscle. Psoas muscle attaches spine to your thigh bone.

Many Yoga postures combined with breathing techniques help strengthen the core, back and gluteal muscles. The Yoga also improves flexibility and joint range of motion. It also helps elongate stiffened muscles due to posture imbalances. Pranayama increases oxygenated blood flow to joints thereby promoting healing.

In various studies, Yoga serves as a lifestyle intervention strategy in people suffering from Non-specific Chronic Low back pain syndrome. Study.

5. Improves Brain Performance

I love Yoga for its potential benefits for brain health. The Pranayama increases blood flow to the brain. It has positive effects in patients with brain injury during the recovery period as an additional therapy. In one of the Study, Yoga has shown to improve memory and cognition in middle-aged adults.

The inverted poses in Yoga like Headstand increases blood flow to the brain. This helps in improving memory, cognition, eyesight and attention span. Meditation also improves sleeping patterns in individuals.