“Yoga Teaches us to cure what need not be endured and endure what cannot be cured” -B.K. Iyengar.
The world of Yoga has its roots back in the days, when rishis and saints walked the planet and attained salvation through the mesmerizing power of meditation. Those were the days when knowledge was not about acquiring the power of wealth but to witness the reflection of one’s higher self. Sadly, the science turned into a dilapidated piece of historical data amid the race to a fast-moving world. Human ambitions to become greater materialistically somehow sabotaged the growth of Yoga, in many ways.
However, it has made a comeback to sweep everyone off their feet. The health benefits of Yoga are slowly catching the attention of people in the modern age. If you are thinking about mixing your regime with different types of Yoga styles but doubt the abilities, here are scientific evidences that will change your mind forever:
According to a 2017 survey by National Health Interview Survey, it was revealed that the number of adults in the U.S. adopting Yoga as a fitness regime increased from 9.5 percent in 2012 to a whopping 14.3 percent in 2017. Here are more findings:
• Better Mental Health — The survey revealed that a good percentage of adults reported having better mental health with continued practice. They experienced a better mental clarity at the workplace, an improved ability to balance work/life, and better sleep. A sedentary lifestyle can wreak havoc on your well-being and these adults revealed that Yoga has helped them lose weight and gain a happy mind.
• Emotional Health — Practicing Yoga is a proven way to solve persisting emotional health issues, such as eating disorders, Obsessive Compulsive Disorder, ability to handle catastrophe, and anger. Kids who practice breathing exercises have reported having a less-stressed mind during exam preparations and adults revealed better anger management.
• Gut Health — Your gut is your second brain, which is responsible for your moods, and eating habits. A recent version of the study stated that doing Yoga stretches every day improves eating habits, pacifies cravings and improves gut health by fostering growth of a good bacteria colony. An estimated 46 percent of adults confessed that practicing different forms of Yoga encourages them to eat healthier and supports intuitive eating.
• Women Health Issues — A 2018 National Institutes of Health survey stated that Yoga has helped more than 1,000 participants experience a less-painful menopause period. These women witnessed reduced symptoms like hot flashes, and absolutely no mood swings. Women stated that Yoga relieved a number of menopausal symptoms and post-traumatic stress disorder.
• Balanced BMI Index — Weight watchers have enjoyed the maximum health benefits of Yoga. You can choose from a variety of Yoga moves or styles. Practicing the stretches daily helps a sluggish metabolism, improves spine health, and reduces fat content. As for weight gain, improved metabolism lays the foundation for overall growth.
• Health Beyond 60 — A significant study in 2014 that was later published in the prestigious U.S. National Library of Medicine proved that elderly people found Yoga to be a way to better health. A total of 66 aged participants, after practicing Yoga and calisthenics for one month, happily expressed increased flexibility and improved mobility.
• Art of Breathing — It is scientifically proven and quoted in journals that Pranayama, a breathing technique, improves the respiratory health in severe cases of asthma and lung dysfunction, and it pacifies conditions like migraines, headaches and increased mucous production in the body.
• Fountain of Youth — You cannot alter your age or slam doors when wrinkles stand on your porch, but you can definitely reverse or delay the appearance of signs of aging. The first-ever journal published on the official website of Hindawi throws light on the contribution of Yoga and Pranayama on cell functioning and biomarkers of aging.
• Hormonal Imbalances — A lot of health issues, such as skin rashes, stress, eczema and anxiety, are directly related to hormonal imbalances. For instance, an increased production of cortisol elevates the stress level, gives you acne, and hinders a peaceful sleep. It is scientifically proven that Yoga and meditation regulate the production of this hormone.
• Auto-Immune Diseases — Another study published in the U.S. National Library of Medicine in 2009 revealed that a health regime that includes Yoga helps with pro-inflammatory diseases, such as diabetes (both types), heart disease and even cancer. Yoga helps with inflammation within in the body and calms down chronic pain and joint issues.
Yoga has benefits that know no boundaries and numbers. Now that you are aware of how this ancient science can help you with severe health issues, it is best to give different types of Yoga styles a try.
