Yoga offers physical and mental health benefits for people of all ages. And, if you’re going through an illness, recovering from surgery or living with a chronic condition, yoga can become an integral part of your treatment and potentially hasten healing.
9 Benefits of Yoga:
- Yoga improves strength, balance and flexibility. Slow movements and deep breathing increase blood flow and warm up muscles, while holding a pose can build strength.
- Yoga helps with back pain relief. The American College of Physicians recommends yoga as a first-line treatment for chronic low back pain.
- Yoga can ease arthritis symptoms. Gentle yoga has been shown to ease some of the discomfort of tender, swollen joints for people with arthritis, according to a Johns Hopkins review of 11 recent studies. (A note from Di-Gentle Yoga typically refers to any yoga class where movement is slower vs. a “power yoga” or other forms of yoga where movement is quicker and designed to contain more of a cardio workout element”)
- Yoga benefits heart health. Regular yoga practice may reduce levels of stress and body-wide inflammation, contributing to healthier hearts. Several of the factors contributing to heart disease, including high blood pressure and excess weight, can also be addressed through yoga.
- Yoga relaxes you, to help you sleep better. Research shows that a consistent bedtime yoga routine can help you get in the right mindset and prepare your body to fall asleep and stay asleep. (A note from Di-Yin yoga poses, even for as little as 15 minutes before bedtime, can make a big difference in quality of sleep. Another good option can be to put your legs up a wall for a few minutes UNLESS YOU HAVE CERTAIN HEART OR HIGH BLOOD PRESSURE ISSUES. To put your legs up the wall lie down on the floor, scoot your bum right up to the wall with your legs out to the side, then lift your legs straight up the wall while keeping your bum right next to the base of the wall. Arms can be out wide, above your head, resting on your body, or whatever feels comfortable for you.
- Yoga can mean more energy and brighter moods. You may feel increased mental and physical energy, a boost in alertness and enthusiasm, and fewer negative feelings after getting into a routine of practicing yoga.
- Yoga helps you manage stress. According to the National Institute of Health, scientific evidence shows that yoga supports stress management, mental health, mindfulness, healthy eating, weight loss and quality sleep.
- Yoga connects you with a supportive community. Participating in yoga classes can ease loneliness and provide an environment for group healing and support. (A note from Di-Find teachers and classes that are a good fit for you. To benefit from yoga you must feel safe and comfortable.)
- Yoga promotes better self care.
Scientific Research on Yoga Benefits
The U.S. military, the National Institutes of Health and other large organizations are listening to — and incorporating — scientific validation of yoga’s value in health care.
Numerous studies show yoga’s benefits in arthritis, osteopenia, balance issues, oncology, women’s health, chronic pain and other specialties.
NOTE FROM DI: REMEMBER THAT NO STUDY OR DATA IS ACCURATE FOR ALL PEOPLE. IF YOU HAVE CONCERNS ABOUT YOUR HEALTH AND HOW IT WOULD BE IMPACTED BY PRACTICING YOGA, DO YOUR OWN RESEARCH AND/OR CHECK WITH YOUR DOCTOR.