The practice of yoga is flourishing around the world, and especially so in Morocco. This millennia-old system has built a steady reputation for its innumerable benefits, which are backed not only by its millions of practitioners around the world but also by the most recent scientific studies. If you’ve been thinking about taking up your first yoga class or if you need some motivation to show up on your mat regularly, here are six benefits of practicing yoga:
1) A healthier body:
First, the physical postures of yoga stretch and strengthen the muscles. They also help with joint pain and stiffness [1] and they bring blood and nutrients to the spine, keeping it healthy and young [2]. Yoga also improves balance and the mind-body connection, which can help to prevent falls and injuries [3]. The physical postures of yoga are an amazing low-impact form of aerobic exercise, suitable even for the elderly and those recovering from injuries. Yoga postures also improve digestion, help massage the internal organs, and enhance lymphatic drainage.
2) Improved breathing:
The yoga practice is also known to improve one’s posture. This not only supports spine health but also expands the chest, allowing more air to be breathed in. Yoga also encourages breathing through the nose, which improves the quality of the air we breathe, making it cleaner, warmer, and moister before it reaches the lungs. When paired with physical exercise, this special attention to the breath improves blood oxygenation and supports detoxification.
3) Stress relief:
Perhaps the most widely known benefit of Yoga is its stress-fighting abilities. The attention to the breath, and the deep, long, and controlled exhalations activate the parasympathetic nervous system [4], which signals the body to go into a relaxed and calm state. The practice of yoga has also been proven to lower cortisol levels in the body, which is the hormone responsible for stress [5].
4) Improved cognitive functions:
A regular yoga practice can improve cognitive functions like attention, concentration, and processing speed [6]. Yoga can also help with insomnia, making it easier to sleep. And improving memory and creativity. Not only can Yoga enhance cognitive performances, but it can also prevent cognitive decline, keeping the brain healthy as we grow old.
5) Decreased inflammation levels:
Did you know that general inflammation is the root cause of most modern-day diseases such as high blood pressure, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and even cancer? Yoga is therefore an amazing prevention tool since a regular yoga practice has been shown to lower inflammation levels in the body [7].
6) It makes you happier:
Furthermore, Yoga can improve your emotional wellbeing and make you happier [8]. The yoga practice stimulates the release of feel-good hormones and neurotransmitters such as oxytocin and serotonin. Additionally, the yoga practice elevates your mood by improving your self-esteem and allowing you to be fully present in the moment and your body.
Dr. Sarah Mliyahe, MD, Ryt-200h.
References:
1: https://www.liebertpub.com/doi/abs/10.1089/acm.2010.0320
2: https://www.jstage.jst.go.jp/article/jpts/27/2/27_jpts-2014-427/_article/-char/ja/
3: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0003999310000286
4: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0306987712000321
5: https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/abs/10.2466/pms.2000.90.3.1027
