The proven health benefits of yoga

Practising yoga regularly provides both physical and mental benefits to people of all ages. Many of those benefits have been scientifically proven over the years. 

Yoga can be practised alone or in a group, with or without the use of equipment such as blocks and straps. This makes it a versatile exercise option.


Image: Pexels

There are many different types of yoga, and the great thing is that you don’t need any experience to give it a try. Here are some of the positive things that yoga does:

1. Increases mindfulness

Yoga is a form of meditation in action and requires you to be fully immersed in the present moment. Being present in the moment contributes to feelings of mindfulness and improves feelings of wellbeing.

2. Improves mental health

Yoga is also known for being relaxing and easing stress. It can help improve mental health by reducing symptoms of depression, stress and anxiety because it decreases the levels of the stress hormone cortisol.

3. Improves sleep quality

Yoga is relaxing and studies show that incorporating yoga into your routine can help promote better sleep.

4. Increases strength, balance and flexibility

Research has shown that yoga can improve balance and flexibility. Research also shows it increases strength. Yoga also improves your posture.

5. Reduces back pain

Yoga is great for back pain as it focuses on stretching and realigning the body. The American College of Physicians recommends yoga as a first-line treatment for chronic lower back pain.

6. Improves heart health

Yoga may help improve heart health and reduce several risk factors for heart disease, eg, high blood pressure. It improves circulation and reduces levels of stress and body-wide inflammation, which contributes to a healthier heart.

7. Improves breathing

Most types of yoga incorporate pranayama or yogic breathing, which focuses on controlling the breath through breathing exercises. Yogic breathing exercises can help improve breathing and lung function.

8. Relieves symptoms of migraines

Increasing evidence shows that yoga, alone or in combination with conventional care, could help reduce migraine intensity and frequency.

If you’re starting yoga for the first time, join a class for beginners under the guidance of a qualified instructor to avoid injuries. If you have any concerns about any aspect of your health, please consult your GP or healthcare provider.

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References

1. 13 Benefits of Yoga That Are Supported by Science Healthline, US, 2017
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3. Yoga for sleep  John Hopkins Medicine, US 
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6. Hauk L. Low back pain – American College of Physicians practice guideline on non-invasive treatments. Am Fam Physician 2017 Sep;96(6):407-408.
7. The yoga-heart connection  John Hopkins Medicine, US
8. Vijayaraghava A, Doreswamy V, Narasipur OS, Kunnavil R, Srinivasamurthy N. Effect of yoga practice on levels of inflammatory markers after moderate and strenuous exercise. J Clin Diagn Res. 2015 Jun;9(6):CC08-12.
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