Yogaguru Magazine

Yoga is actually an ancient practice that connects the mind, body, and spirit with the help of asana,
Pranayama and meditation. The practice of yoga has many benefits associated with it, so read below to
discover the benefits to be gained.
Health Benefits to Different Systems of the body
1. Blood pressure, Pulse rate, Circulation &
Cardiovascular endurance: A consistent yoga practice decreases blood pressure through better
circulation and oxygenation of the body. These two exercises can help lower blood pressure. A
slower pulse rate indicates that your heart is strong enough to pump more blood with fewer beats.
Regularly practicing yoga provides a lower pulse rate. Yoga improves blood circulation. By
transporting nutrients and oxygen throughout your body, yoga practice provides healthier organs,
skin, and brain. A combination of lower heart rate and improved oxygenation to the body (both
benefits of yoga) results in higher cardiovascular endurance.
2. Respiratory. Like the circulatory system, a lower respiratory rate indicates that the lungs are
working more efficiently. Yoga decreases the respiratory rate through a combination of
controlled breathing exercises and better fitness.
3. Immunity. Yoga practice improves immunity of the practitioner.
4. Pain. Pain tolerance is much higher among those who practice yoga regularly. In addition to pain
tolerance, some instances of chronic pain, such as back pain, are lessened or eliminated through
yoga.
5. Metabolism. Having a balanced metabolism results in maintaining a healthy weight and
controlling hunger. Consistent yoga practice helps find the balance and creates a more efficient
metabolism.
Health Benefits to outer body
6. Aging. Yoga stimulates the detoxification process within the body. Detoxification has been shown
to delay aging, among many other health benefits.
7. Strength. One of the premises of yoga is that you are using the weight of your own body for overall
strength.
8. Energy. Regular yoga practice provides consistent energy. In fact, most yogis state that
when you perform your yoga correctly, you will feel energized after your yoga session rather than
tired.
9. Weight. The benefits of a better metabolism along with the exercise of yoga work to keep your
weight in check.
10. Sleep. Because of the many benefits to both body and mind that a yoga routine can provide, many
find that their sleep is much better.
11. Awareness: Doing yoga will give you an increased awareness of your own body. Over time, this will increase your level of comfort in your own body. This can lead to improved posture and greater self-confidence.
12. Sexual Health: Yoga can improve your sexual health through better control, more relaxation, and more self-confidence.
Body Chemistry
13. Cholesterol: Yoga practice lowers cholesterol through increased blood circulation and burning fat. Yoga practice is a great tool to fight against harmful cholesterol levels.
14. Triglycerides: Triglycerides are the chemical form of fat in the blood, and elevated levels can indicate a risk for heart disease and high blood pressure. A recent study shows that yoga can lead to “significantly lower” levels of triglycerides.
Exercise Health Benefits
15. Low risk of injury: Due to the low impact of yoga and the controlled aspect of the motions, there are very low risks of injury during yoga practice compared to other forms of exercise.
16. Muscle tone: Regular yoga practice tone up the muscles.
17. Reaction time: Research shows that reaction time can be improved with Pranayama practice and
some yogic kriyas.
Disease Prevention
18. Heart disease: Yoga reduces stress, lowers blood pressure, keeps off weight, and improves
cardiovascular health, all of which lead to reducing your risk of heart disease.
19. Osteoporosis: It is well documented that weightbearing exercise strengthens bones and helps
prevent osteoporosis. Additionally, yoga’s ability to lower levels of cortisol may help keep calcium
in the bones.
20. Alzheimer’s: A new study indicates that yoga can help elevate brain gamma-aminobutyric (GABA)
levels. Low GABA levels are associated with the onset of Alzheimer’s. Meditation, practiced in
yoga has also been shown to slow the progression of Alzheimer’s.
21. Diabetes: In addition to the glucose reducing capabilities of yoga, it is also an excellent source
of physical exercise and stress reduction that, along with the potential for yoga to encourage
insulin production in the pancreas, can serve as an excellent preventative for type II diabetes.
22. Constipation: Due to the practice of yoga and overall better posture, the digestive and
elimination systems work more efficiently. If the practitioner also has a healthy diet, any
constipation will be eliminated through yoga.
Symptom Reduction or Alleviation
There are so many research studies to suggest that regular practice of yoga can initially control and finally
cure numbers of diseases viz. Carpal tunnel syndrome, Asthma, bronchitis, Arthritis, Migraines, Epilepsy,
Sciatica, Allergies, Obsessive Compulsive Disorder and Back pain etc. Yoga can reduce symptoms and
complications of some diseases with regular practice.
They are as follows:
Cancer: Those fighting or recovering from cancer frequently take advantage of the benefits that yoga
provides. Cancer patients, who practice yoga gain strength, raise red blood cells, experience less nausea
during chemotherapy, and have a better overall wellbeing.
Multiple Sclerosis: According to this article, “yoga
is now recognized as an excellent means of MS
management.”
Muscular Dystrophy: Using yoga in the early
stages of muscular dystrophy can help return some
physical functions. Study shows that the Pranayama
helps to regain many of the lost abilities in muscular
dystrophy.
Emotional Health Benefits
23. Stress Reduction: The concentration required during yoga practice tends to focus your attention
on the matter at hand, thereby reducing the emphasis you may have been putting on the stress
in your life.
24. Anxiety & Depression: Controlled breathing used in yoga reduces anxiety. The negative feelings
that you may be repressing are brought to the surface during yoga practice to release. When this
happens, the negative energy is no longer stuck within you. Regularly releasing this negativity
leads to a reduction of depression in many people.
25. Positive outlook on life: Continued practice of yoga results in a balance of many hormones and
nervous system, which brings about a more stable, positive approach to life.
26. Concentration & Memory: Researchers have shown that as little as eight weeks of yoga practice
can result in better concentration and more motivation. Proper blood circulation to the brain
as well as the reduction in stress improves memory.
At last but not the least, Yoga will help you to achieve spiritual benefits. It will help you to connect with your
root. It will help you to know yourself better. It will help you to manage yourself better with proper
understanding and handling of ANNAMAYA KOSHA, PRANAMAYA KOSHA, MANOMAYA KOSHA,
BIGYANMAYA KOSHA and ANANDAMAYA KOSHA all together.