Medizines

Many studies have been conducted to determine which areas will benefit from an extended practice of yoga. Yoga practitioners are most likely to see improvements in the areas of physiology, psychology, and biochemistry.
Furthermore, practitioners of yoga speak of a unification of the body, mind and spirit achieved through the practice of yoga exercises and breathing techniques. But, of course, that is a bit difficult to test scientifically.
Yoga Is An Ancient Way of Life
Yoga is not a recent development. It has been practiced for thousands of years, during which time people have greatly benefited from it. 1 of the fundamental beliefs shared by yogis is that the mind and the body are a unified system, which in a proper environment, can find harmony and self-healing.
Demonstrated Health Benefits
Many doctors consider yoga to have therapeutic results, and recommend it for several illnesses and conditions, mainly related to the nervous system.
From the physiological point of view, extended yoga practice can benefit:
- pulse rate
- respiratory problems
- blood pressure dysfunctions
- help stabilize the nervous system
- gastrointestinal functions
- endocrine function
- the range of motion in joints
- endurance
- energy level
- immunity to diseases
- cardiovascular efficiency
- improve eye-hand coordination
- reaction time
- dexterity
- depth perception
- sleep
- etc.
Yoga's psychological benefits include:
- enhanced somatic and kinesthetic awareness
- self-acceptance
- self-actualization
- social skills
- well-being
- concentration
- memory
- attention
- mood
- learning efficiency
- and more
As for the biochemical benefits of yoga, tests have shown improvements in:
- glucose
- sodium
- cholesterol
- total white blood cell count
- vitamin C
- total serum protein
- hemoglobin.
Deep Organ and Joint Stimulation
Various studies revealed that yoga exercises are extremely effective at increasing joint flexibility, and at lubricating and strengthening the joints, ligaments and tendons. Another interesting finding is that yoga is one of the very few forms of exercise capable of massaging all the internal organs and glands. This includes organs that are rarely stimulated, such as the prostate. The stimulation and massaging of the internal organs proves to be extremely beneficial for health.
Elimination of Toxins
These ancient and efficient yoga techniques also provide a thorough detoxification of the body. Stretching the muscles and performing a complete yoga workout acts as a massage, thereby ensuring the optimal blood supply to every organ. Consequently, toxins are eliminated from the body and certain undesired processes, such as aging, are delayed.
All of these remarkable health benefits are available from yoga practice. What are you waiting for? Let's go find a yoga school!

If you are battling with weight gain or obesity due to unhealthy eating habits or lack of sufficient exercise, then yoga should be of interest to you. It is possible to lose weight as well as to relax by engaging in yoga. Yoga will strengthen your core, tone you up and increase your flexibility with the various poses, techniques and diets. Here is a look at a plethora of ways in which yoga can lead to weight loss.
Yogic poses (asanas)
These poses are geared towards fitting your health needs and age. A yoga instructor keeps in mind your health issues before prescribing certain yogic poses that may help you lose weight effectively. These asanas include sun salutation, shoulder stand, fish, wheel and bird poses, triangle poses among others. In addition, these poses help to check weight gain due to hormonal imbalance as well as allow the endocrine glands to run smoothly. The immune system is strengthened and indigestion and allergies are reduced by these yoga poses.
Yogic techniques
The Prana Shakti is a very effective and ancient method of balancing one's weight. This technique is void of physical movements but deals with the invocation of the life force called Prana through breath. The Prana converts into heat that burns fat and consequently weight loss. Mastering this technique takes only a few weeks of practice.
Yogic diets
Postures, poses and techniques work hand in hand with the yogic diets to lose weight effectively. Healthy eating habits, detoxifying frequently and avoiding junk and sugary foods, while eating a balanced yogic diet with lots of water intake are a must if you want to lose weight. Yoga alters your taste of food naturally, without deprivation or any effort. Yoga helps you to be in touch with your body and hence get to refrain from energy draining foods or sugars. Yoga will help you eat in a healthy manner leading to weight loss and consequently better health.
Positive mental attitude
Accepting that you have weight issues that need attention is the first step to the weight loss journey. Changing your attitude towards exercise and healthy diets in relation to your desired weight is of importance. Yoga allows for holistic thinking that integrates the whole person. It requires the presence of the body, mind, spirit and heart to have a unified way of living and a new positive attitude. This naturally controls your emotional, physical and spiritual needs and hence you are able to say no to overfeeding, laziness and poor feeding habits without strain and be on the path of losing weight.
Yoga motions
First timers who intend to lose weight should partake yoga but at small steps. Start small and grow with practice until you can withstand intense activities or poses. The intensity and aggressiveness of the superior yoga movements, act as workouts that lead to weight loss but should be carried out with care and under an instructor.
Certainly, yoga is one of the best ways to lose weight smartly and as a long term measure. You do not have to force your body to accept certain crash diets or hectic exercises but in the relaxing and meditative poses, techniques, diets, motions, and attitude change, weight loss is achievable.

By Kathleen McLaughlin