Yoga, what changes to your body

People who practice yoga often say, "I sleep better," "I feel lighter all over," or "I don't get colds as easily. Practitioners can feel the changes in their bodies, but it is often difficult to say exactly what is happening to their bodies. As yoga has grown in popularity in Europe and the United States, Western scientists have begun to study this exercise, which originated in the ancient East. They have provided concrete evidence on how yoga promotes health, heals pain and fights disease. With this knowledge, you will no longer be stumped when asked for concrete proof of the various benefits of yoga, and you will have more motivation to get on your mat and practice.

What are the benefits of yoga for your body

Flexibility

The first thing that strikes you about yoga is that it enhances flexibility, which is an important component of the body's health qualities. For example, stiff hip muscles can lead to an uncoordinated thigh and calf bone thus increasing the stress on the knee joint.

Muscle and standing posture

Building muscles not only gives one a better shape, but also prevents arthritis and back pain. A balance of strength and flexibility can be achieved through the exercise of yoga. Your head is like a bowling ball, big, round and heavy. Move forward slightly by a few inches and the muscles in the back of your shoulders, neck and back are in a tight state. Over time, this not only leads to muscle fatigue, but also causes inflammation of the bones and joints in the neck and back spine.

Joints and spine

Your crave movement, they are like sponges, they only absorb new nutrients when you squeeze. Yoga helps joints "squeeze and absorb" through full stretching, contraction and twisting, keeping joint cartilage and discs healthy.

Bone

Many studies show that weight-bearing exercises increase bone strength and prevent osteoporosis, and many poses in yoga require you to support your own weight. For example, the upward and downward dog poses strengthen the bones in the arms, which are most susceptible to osteoporosis.

Blood circulation and lymphatic system

Yoga improves the circulation of blood and lymphatic fluid. When twisting the body, venous blood is squeezed out of the organs; when relaxing, fresh arterial blood flows back to the organs. Inverted poses promote the return of blood from the lower extremities to the heart. Lymphatic circulation is also promoted as you contract and stretch your muscles and move your organs in various yoga poses, which boosts one's immunity, fights inflammation and removes waste produced by cells.

Heart and Blood Pressure

Yoga lowers your heart rate at rest, increases endurance, and increases your maximum oxygen carrying capacity when you exercise. A study published in the prestigious journal The Lancet showed an average decrease in systolic blood pressure of 26 and diastolic blood pressure of 15 after three months of consistent exercise using Savasana poses.

Cortisol

Yoga lowers cortisol levels in the body. Normally, the adrenal glands secrete cortisol in response to emergency crises, temporarily boosting immune function. However, maintaining high levels of cortisol over time can affect memory and may lead to permanent degeneration of the brain. In addition, excess cortisol is thought to be associated with depression, osteoporosis, hypertension and insulin resistance.

Mood

Some studies have shown that the long-term practice of yoga fights depression, leads to a greater sense of well-being, and improves immunity.

Body Weight

Yoga not only gets you moving so you can burn calories, it also addresses your deeper eating issues mentally and emotionally.

Cholesterol, Blood Sugar

Yoga lowers LDL, raises HDL, and lowers blood sugar levels in diabetics. Brain and Nervous System Research has found that yoga improves coordination, reaction time, memory and even IQ. it calms you down by relaxing your body and regulating your breathing to activate the parasympathetic nerves, allowing yourself to better respond to regulation.

Rest and Sleep

The toning, meditation and rest techniques in yoga can help you unplug from the hustle and bustle of modern life and its fast pace, encouraging you to focus on your heart and allowing you to have a better night's sleep.

Digestive System

Ulcers, irritable bowel syndrome and constipation are all associated with emotional tension and stress, and the relaxation that comes with practicing yoga can alleviate these symptoms. Like all sports, yoga relieves constipation by moving the body and twisting the back, theoretically reducing the incidence of colon cancer.