The
Benefits of Yoga
“The purpose of yoga is to create
strength, awareness and harmony in both the mind and body,” explains Natalie
Nevins, DO, a board-certified osteopathic family physician and certified
Kundalini Yoga instructor in Hollywood, California.
While there are more
than 100 different types, or schools, of yoga, most sessions are typically
include breathing exercises, meditation, and assuming postures (sometimes
called asana or poses) that stretch and flex various muscle groups.
“As an osteopathic
physician, I focus a lot of my efforts on preventive medicine and practices,
and in the body’s ability to heal itself,” says Dr. Nevins. “Yoga is a great
tool for staying healthy because it is based on similar principles.”
Physical Benefits
“The relaxation
techniques incorporated in yoga can lessen chronic pain, such as lower back
pain, arthritis, headaches and carpal tunnel syndrome,” explains Dr. Nevins.
“Yoga can also lower blood pressure and reduce insomnia.”
Other physical benefits of yoga include:
·
Increased flexibility
·
Increased muscle
strength and tone
·
Improved respiration,
energy and vitality
·
Maintaining a balanced
metabolism
·
Weight reduction
·
Cardio and circulatory
health
·
Improved athletic
performance
·
Protection from injury
Mental Benefits
Aside from the
physical benefits, one of the best benefits of yoga is how it helps a person
manage stress, which is known to have devastating effects on the body and mind.
“Stress can reveal itself in many ways, including back or neck pain, sleeping
problems, headaches, drug abuse, and an inability to concentrate,” says Dr.
Nevins. “Yoga can be very effective in developing coping skills and reaching a
more positive outlook on life.”
Yoga’s incorporation
of meditation and breathing can help improve a person’s mental well-being.
“Regular yoga practice creates mental clarity and calmness; increases body
awareness; relieves chronic stress patterns; relaxes the mind; centers
attention; and sharpens concentration,” says Dr. Nevins. Body- and
self-awareness are particularly beneficial, she adds, “because they can help
with early detection of physical problems and allow for early preventive
action.”
Beginners Welcome
Because there are so
many different kinds of yoga practices, it is possible for anyone to start.
“Whether you’re a couch potato or a professional athlete, size and fitness
levels do not matter because there are modifications for every yoga pose and
beginner classes in every style,” says Dr. Nevins. “The idea is to explore your
limits, not strive for some pretzel-like perfection. It is a great way to get
in tune with your body and your inner self.”