BENEFITS OF YOGA
There are many benefits of practicing Yoga. The following are just some of the physical, emotional, and
energetic benefits of doing yoga:
Body Strength and Stamina
Increased body strength and physical stamina are the most obvious benefits of practicing yoga.
Regular practice strengthens the muscles and, thus increasing the muscle tone and improving our posture.
Flexibility
Yoga also focuses on flexibility, both in the physical and in the mental sense. A flexible body is a more
comfortable place in which to live and enables us to be more resilient to the jolts and shocks of everyday life.
Reducing Everyday Aches and Pain
Repetitive movements and postures from our daily life cause many of our pains. Our modern day habits may,
in many cases, be “incorrect” and lead to aches and pains, both in the physical, emotional and mental sense.
By treating our body to new and ergonomically-correct activities, we can correct and compensate for other
less-healthy physical habits.
Rehabilitating and Healing Injuries
Yoga used therapeutically can rehabilitate and heal problem areas. Yoga also includes opening up to "healing energy."
Stress Reduction and Relaxation
One of the most common complaints of modern life is stress. An estimated 60% to 70% of all illnesses are
stress-related. Regular yoga practice reduces stress, strengthens the nervous system and thus helps prevent
these stress related illnesses.
Better General Health
This age-old science improves our general health by the breathing exercises which lead to better oxygenation
of the blood and cleansing of toxins. The physical exercises increase circulation and improve the function of
the organs and glands, strengthen the nervous system and improve digestion and elimination. In addition, the
immune system is pumped up to increase the over-all level of health and well-being.
Mental and Emotional Benefits
Yoga makes us feel good! It is an opportunity for self reflection and inner awareness, leading to a more
positive outlook on life, a sense of balance, and a feeling of internal harmony. Greater mental performance
and clarity gives us a clearer sense of priorities. Most importantly, our yoga practice is something that we
do for ourselves. It is a personal affirmation that we are a worthwhile human being, worth spending time with,
and worthy of being cared for.
Spirituality
Last, but certainly not least, yoga is practice of uniting with the Divine. Each of us has different ideas
of the Divine. Whatever your version, yoga is a tool with which we can build a closer relationship to It,
Him or Her. Yoga is a meditative practice that can help us experience God in our own way.
