Yoga is a science that has been practiced for thousands of years. It is consists of Ancient Theories, observations and principles about the mind and body connection which is now being proven by modern medicine. Substantial research has been conducted to look at the Health Benefits of Yoga - from the Yoga Postures (Asanas), Yoga Breathing (Pranayama), and Meditation. The information on Yoga Poses & Benefits is grouped into three categories-physiological, psychological, biochemical effects. Furthermore, scientists have laid these results against the benefits of regular exercise.
Physiological Benefits of Yoga
- Stable autonomic nervous system equilibrium
- Decreases pulse rate
- Decreases respiratory rate
- Decreases blood pressure (of special significance for hypo reactors)
- Increases Galvanic Skin Response (GSR)
- EEG – Increases alpha waves (theta, delta, and beta waves also increase during various stages of meditation)
- Decreases EMG activity
- Increases Cardiovascular efficiency
- Increases Respiratory efficiency
- Normalizes Gastrointestinal function
- Normalizes Endocrine function
- Improves Excretory functions
- Increases Musculoskeletal flexibility and joint range of motion
- Increases Breath-holding time
- Increases Joint range of motion
- Increases Grip strength
- Improves Eye-hand coordination
- Improve Dexterity skills
- Improves Reaction time
- Improves Posture
- Increase Strength and resiliency
- Increases Endurance
- Increases Energy level
- Normalizes Weight
- Improves Sleep
- Increases Immunity
- Decreases Pain
- Improves Steadiness
- Improves Depth perception
- Improves Balance
- Improves Integrated functioning of body parts
Psychological Benefits of Yoga
- Increases Somatic and kinesthetic awareness
- Increases Mood improves and subjective well-being
- Increases Self-acceptance and self-actualization
- Increases Social adjustment
- Decrease Anxiety and Depression
- Decreases Hostility
- Improves Concentration improves
- Improves Memory
- Improves Attention
- Improves Learning efficiency
- Improves Mood
- Increases Self-actualization
- Increases Social skills
- Increases Well-being
- Increase Somatic and kinesthetic awareness
- Increases Self-acceptance
- Improves Attention
- Improves Concentration
- Improves Memory
- Improves Learning efficiency
- Improves Symbol coding
- Improves Depth perception
- Improves Flicker fusion frequency
Biochemical Benefits of Yoga
- Decreases Glucose
- Decreases Sodium
- Decreases Total cholesterol
- Decreases Triglycerides
- Increases HDL cholesterol
- Decreases LDL cholesterol
- Decreases VLDL cholesterol
- Increases Cholinesterase
- Decreases Catecholamine
- Increases ATPase
- Increases Hematocrit
- Increases Hemoglobin
- Increases Lymphocyte count
- Decreases total white blood cell count
- Increases Thyroxin
- Increases Vitamin C
- Increases Total serum protein
Yoga Benefits
- Parasympathetic Nervous System dominates
- Subcortical regions of brain dominate
- Slow dynamic and static movements
- Normalization of muscle tone
- Low risk of injuring muscles and ligaments
- Low caloric consumption
- Effort is minimized, relaxed
- Energizing (breathing is natural or controlled)
- Balanced activity of opposing muscle groups
- Noncompetitive, process-oriented
- Awareness is internal (focus is on breath and the infinite)
- Limitless possibilities for growth in self-awareness
- Exercise Benefits
- Sympathetic Nervous System dominates
- Cortical regions of brain dominate
- Rapid forceful movements
- Increased muscle tension
- Higher risk of injury
- Moderate to high caloric consumption
- Effort is maximized
- Fatiguing (breathing is taxed)
- Imbalance activity of opposing groups
- Competitive, goal-oriented
- Awareness is external (focus is on reaching the toes, reaching the finish line, etc.)
- Boredom factor
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