(26-01-11) Enjoy the benefits of practicing yoga

by Elizabeth Walling, citizen journalist

(NaturalNews) Yoga is no longer just for New Age gurus. Practicing yoga offers
so many positive benefits for the young and old, that it has become mainstream.
Some might even say that the benefits (physical, emotional and spiritual) are
so far-reaching, it should be part of physical education in schools and a more
common practice in corporate environments. However, to newbies yoga may still
seem mysterious and even daunting. But don't let your misgivings prevent you
from enjoying all of the incredible benefits yoga has to offer.

Being an ancient art, the benefits of yoga are actually very well documented.
Relaxation, improved flexibility, better concentration, better balance,
increased lung capacity, spiritual/emotional sense of well-being and better
relationships are all cited.
Here are just some of the benefits you can receive from practicing yoga on a
regular basis:

- Lower blood pressure
- Healthy pulse rate
- Better circulation
- Stronger immunity
- Detoxification
- Improved posture
- Better sleep
- Healthy libido
- Better mood
- Improved concentration
- Better memory and cognitive functions
- Healthy cholesterol profile
- Boosts lymphatic health
- Increases vitamin C in the body
- Boosts red cell production
- Improves muscle tone
- Increased mobility
- Improved hand-eye coordination
- Enhanced reaction time
- Increases GABA production
- Combats insulin resistance

Moreover, for those who suffer from chronic or progressive, debilitating
diseases such as multiple sclerosis, asthma, cancer, muscular dystrophy, carpal
tunnel syndrome, migraines, scoliosis, epilepsy, back pain, allergies and even
obsessive-compulsive disorder, these can be treated or managed successfully
using yoga techniques.

If all that isn`t enough, there`s evidence that practicing yoga in groups
forges strong social bonds and a sense of community and friendship. The
psychological benefits are just as real and just as vital for physical health
and longevity.

Tips for Beginners

For those of you who are, as yet, uninitiated, here are a few pointers on
getting started in yoga. The positions used in yoga each day are called asanas,
and should be practiced regularly, even daily. Although yoga can be used to get
a more aerobic workout, at times, in general each pose or movement is done
slowly and with relaxed concentration. Most exercises are more about stretching
and breathing than gymnastics (although you will get more flexible and your
endurance will improve considerably with regular sessions). Practicing with
soothing or meditation music can really enhance your overall experience.

Further Reading:

http://www.webmd.com/balance/the-he...

http://www.nursingdegree.net/blog/2...

http://www.lifepositive.com/body/yo...

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In evidenza

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Per coloro che hanno problemi di salute si consiglia di consultare sempre il proprio medico curante.