The Benefits of Yoga
The benefits of yoga reach far beyond physical strength, flexibility and relaxation. Below are 40 ways that we can achieve better health through various yogic practices, including asana (yoga postures), pranayama (breathing techniques) and meditation.
40 Ways Yoga Heals
From Yoga As Medicine: The Yogic Prescription for Health and Healing by Timothy McCall, M.D.
From Yoga As Medicine: The Yogic Prescription for Health and Healing by Timothy McCall, M.D.
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1. Increases Flexibility
2. Strengthens Muscles 3. Improves Balance 4. Improves Immune Function 5. Improves Posture 6. Improves Lung Function 7. Leads to Slower and Deeper Breathing 8. Discourages Mouth Breathing 9. Increases Oxygenation of Tissues 10. Improves Joint Health 11. Nourishes Intervertebral Disks 12. Improves Return of Venous Blood 13. Increases Circulation of Lymph 14. Improves Function of the Feet 15. Improves Proprioception 16. Increases Control of Bodily Functions 17. Strengthens Bone 18. Conditions the Cardiovascular System 19. Promotes Weight Loss 20. Relaxes the Nervous System |
21. Improves the Function of the Nervous System
22. Improves Brain Function 23. Activates the Left Prefrontal Cortex 24. Changes Neurotransmitter Levels 25. Lowers Levels of the Stress Hormone Cortisol 26. Lowers Blood Sugar 27. Lowers Blood Pressure 28. Improves Levels of Cholesterol and Triglycerides 29. Thins the Blood 30. Improves Bowel Function 31. Releases Unconscious Muscular Gripping 32. Uses Imagery to Effect Change in the Body 33. Relieves Pain 34. Lowers Need for Medication 35. Fosters Healing Relationships 36. Improves Psychological Health 37. Leads to Healthier Habits 38. Fosters Spiritual Growth 39. Elicits the Placebo Effect 40. Encourages Involvement in Your Own Healing |
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23. Activates the Left Prefrontal Cortex
According to studies by neuroscientists such as Sara Lazar from Massachusetts General Hospital, and Richard Davidson from the University of Wisconsin-Madison, yoga and meditation do actually affect the physical structure of key areas of our brains. These effects are responsible for both the reported and observed neurological, cognitive and emotional changes in those who meditate and do yoga.
Using MRI, scientists have identified that yoga and meditation influence the prefrontal cortex, the part of the brain responsible for working memory and executive decision making. Other key areas of the brain shown to be affected are those associated with learning and memory (hippocampus), stress (amygdala), empathy and compassion (temporo-parietal junction), and attention and self-awareness (insula). More Resources: ~ Mindfulness Meditation Training Changes Brain Structure in Eight Weeks ~ Buddha’s Brain: Neuroplasticity and Meditation ~ 12 Ways Yoga Meditation Helps Nourish The Body, Brain and Mind |
"Using a sophisticated type of brain scan celled a functional MRI, Richard Davidson found that the left prefrontal cortex shows heightened activity in people who meditate, a finding that has been correlated with greater levels of happiness, better immune function, more flexibility in outlook, and a temperament that is harder to anger or fluster." 1 |
1. McCall, T. (2007). Yoga As Medicine: The Yogic Prescription for Health and Healing. New York, NY: Bantam.
Kristen A. Chew, L.Ac., C.M.T, C.Y.T. . San Francisco, California . 415.692.1191 . info@kristenchew.com
