Between work, raising a family and coping with an uncertain economy stress has become a “normal“ part of daily life for most people. That could , explain why so many Americans about 16 million at latest count have started taking yoga classes or doing yoga at home. This ancient practice, which started in India more than 4,000 years ago, connects mind and body through a series of postures, breathing exercises, and meditation. By stretching and toning the muscles, flexing the spine, and focussing the mind inward, yoga helps reduce stress. That can impact your overall health since stress plays at least some role in many illnesses.Studies show that chronic stress doubles the risk of heart attack, for instance.
Yoga has been shown to lower blood pressure and heart rate, which can help reduce a person’s risk of heart disease.A 2006 study found that yoga helped lower cholesterol levels and improve circulation in people who have cardiovascular disease. While the evidence of yoga’s success in reducing a person’s body mass is mixed, one study did find that yoga can help people lose weight by leading them to a healthier lifestyle.
Many people report that yoga gives them an overall feeling of well-being.But research shows that it may also help alleviate specific kinds of pain including migraine headaches lower back problems, arthritis and pain during childbirth.One theory is that the yoga postures work like the way massage works.
Since yoga involves mind as well as body , it’s not surprising that it may help reduce anxiety and depression, especially in people whose anxiety is related to an illness like cancer. A 2007 study found that in experience study found that in experienced yoga practitioners, a 60-minute yoga session increased levels of a neurotransmitter called GABA. Low levels of GABA have been linked to depression and anxiety disorders. Another pilot study suggests that yoga may influence depression by increasing the alpha waves in the brain. Alpha waves are associated with relaxation. Yet another possibility is that yoga reduces the amount of cortisol, a hormone that the body releases in response to stress. Some scientists think chronic high levels of cortisol may be tied to depression as well as impaired immune function.
Yoga can also make you look more toned and fit and help you move with greater ease, especially as you grow older.
There are several different styles of yoga. The most popular style in the US is Hatha yoga, a relatively slow-moving, gentle form of yoga. Other styles such as Ashtanga (also known as power yoga) are morevigorous.Find out about the different kinds of yoga that are offered at classes in your area. Choose the style that fits your goals and level of fitness. If you are pregnant or have any serious health conditions, talk to your doctor before you begin. Once you start a class, let your teacher know about any injuries or health issues.
Whichever style of yoga you choose, take it slowly at first. Don’t try to force yourself into difficult poses at the beginning. After a while, you will develop more flexibility , strength and stamina.Your teacher shouldn’t push you to do poses that aren’t comfortable. If your teacher is going too fast, talk to him or her, or look for a class that is a better fit.
While yoga won’t cure everything that ails you or make your boss nicer it will help you deal with stress better. And that could make a big difference in your overall health.
Om Namah Shivay
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