Yoga is not only a great workout routine, but a discipline for physical, mental and spiritual health. There are a number of benefits for every yogi such as flexibility, weight loss, peaceful mind, good health and pain reduction. Yoga involves not only the learning of different poses, but also techniques that help in improving both mental and emotional capacity, different relaxation methods, breathing techniques and meditation.
When practiced properly and regularly, yoga combines exercise, breathing and meditation to help bring the body and mind together to achieve balance. Here are some of the benefits of yoga explained.
Pain relief
Yoga poses help stretch muscles, which in turn relieves tension, stiffness and pain. Stretching in yoga releases the accumulated lactic acid from muscles that cause stiffness and pain. It also increases the flexibility and range of movements in the joints. One of the best things about using yoga poses as a pain relief is that you can feel the change instantly.
If you have any injuries, always use caution when practicing yoga. Listen to your body, and stop if you feel any pain. Optionally, try some painkillers.
Strengthen muscles and lose weight
Power yoga is an intermediate version of yoga, which aims to improve the musculature of the body. Different physical poses helps to improve strength and flexibility of the muscles. By activating the core muscles and relieving tension in the back and neck, your posture is automatically improved. Power yoga is a sweaty workout routine, which naturally also is great for weight loss.
Detox and healthy digestion
Yoga poses are great for maintaining a healthy digestion flow, regulate bowels and decrease bloatedness. Twisting poses are especially great for compressing and massaging the internal organs, squeezing out the blood and toxins. When the twist is released, fresh blood is allowed to flow back in. Twisting also helps increase flexibility in the spine.
If your stomach is especially rebellious, you can treat yourself with some helpful remedies.
Breathing techniques
Breathing techniques practiced in yoga improves lung capacity, and deep, long breathing helps a person relax. When practiced properly, breathing will reduce stress and anxiety, keep the mind calm and reduce the level of stress hormones such as cortisol.
Prevents clinical depression and heart disease
Yoga is being used in treatment of clinical depression and heart disease. Yoga can decrease a person’s heart rate and blood pressure, by breathing deeply in relaxing poses. Yoga is also associated with reduced levels of cholesterol and triglyceride levels.
Better sleep
The benefits of yoga includes increasing levels of the sleep hormone melatonin. Practice yoga regularly, and you will have an easier time falling asleep and sleeping through the entire night.