Sally Robbins

Benefits of Yoga

Yoga, as we know is intended to unite the mind, body and spirit. I view that the mind and the body are one, and that if given the right environment and skills, the human body can find balance and heal itself.

Yoga has numerous health benefits, some of which are listed below.  In the Western World we mainly associate yoga with the physical postures (asanas), and how the “exercise” of yoga benefits us. However there is so much more on a psychological and biochemical level.

• Increased flexibility: through consistency of practice and guidance, increased flexibility is accomplished improving posture and spinal health.
• Lubrication of joints, ligaments and tendons improving mobility and range of motion.
• Improved digestion and function of organs: Yoga is one of the few forms of activity, which massages all the internal organs and glands of the body. This in turn aids detoxification and promotes healing and new cells.
• Detoxification: By gently stretching muscles and joints as well as massaging the various organs, yoga stimulates blood supply and circulation around the body. This helps flush out toxins and reduce healing time for those areas that need it. As a result this can delay ageing, increase energy and improve overall wellbeing.
• Strength: Inner core strength, muscular strength and mental strength are all improved with consistent practice. This aids proper alignment of the spine improving posture and nerve function.

* Mental clarity: Through breath awareness, postures and meditation, stillness of our mind and mental clarity is achieved.

PHYSIOLOGICAL BENEFITS

Pulse rate decreases

Respiratory rate decreases

Blood pressure decreases

Cardiovascular efficiency increases

Gastrointestinal function normalises

Excretory function improves

Musculoskeletal flexibility Joint range of motion increases

Hand-eye coordination improves

Endurance improves

Pain decreases

Weight normalises

Reaction time improves

Sleep improves

Balance improves

PSYCHOLOGICAL BENEFITS

Somatic and kinaesthetic awareness increase

Self-acceptance and self-actualisation increase

Anxiety and depression decrease

Concentration improves

Attention improves

Memory improves

Wellbeing improves

BIOCHEMICAL BENEFITS

Glucose decreases

Sodium decreases

Total cholesterol decreases

Triglycerides decrease

Hematocrit increases

Hemoglobin increases

Lymphocyte count increases

Thyroxin increases

Vitamin C increases