Yoga is good for your health.
What an important piece of news! It would seem that everyone already knows this information.
However, in talking with my patients, I found that most people's knowledge of the benefits of yoga is limited to two facts: yoga relieves stress and develops flexibility.
What do you know about the benefits of yoga, my dear reader?
In my opinion, the main advantage of yoga is that it provides both an immediate effect and a lasting transformation. And this is extremely important. Yoga can quickly transform your physical and mental activity and also give you years of health.
In case you didn't know, yoga can also be used as a treatment for certain diseases. But don't expect great results in a short time. You will see a difference over time, but only if you practice regularly and seriously.
What diseases can be treated with yoga?
1. Asthma
Breathing problems can be treated with Yoga, including bronchial asthma.
According to some studies, yoga classes can significantly reduce asthma symptoms. Researchers analyzed 15 experiments with adults with mild to moderate asthma. Yoga helped 1/3 of the participants.
2. Back pain
Yoga is recommended as the first treatment for chronic low back pain.
To this end, yoga:
- Improves blood circulation to the spine and nerves;
- strengthens the muscles that support the spine;
- relaxes the back muscles;
- corrects spinal posture.
3. Arthritis
Yoga is recommended for people suffering from rheumatic arthritis and arthrosis of the knee joint. Specialists say that after just a few weeks of yoga practice, your well-being improves noticeably.
According to a study, people with osteoarthritis of the knee and rheumatoid arthritis felt 20% better after 8 weeks of regular yoga practice.
4. Migraine
Migraine causes severe headaches that may be accompanied by nausea, vomiting, sensitivity to light and sound.
Traditionally, migraine has been treated with medication to relieve the symptoms. However, a growing body of evidence suggests that yoga may be a useful adjunct treatment to help reduce the frequency of migraines.
Researchers suggest that yoga may help stimulate the vagus nerve, which has been shown to be effective in relieving migraine.
5. Cognitive issues
It is well known that yoga has a positive effect on the parts of the brain responsible for attention and memory and improves learning skills. Regular exercise improves coordination and even increases IQ. People who practice meditation more easily recall various events in their memory and quickly make the right decisions even in non-standard situations. It also helps to avoid concentrating on negative thoughts.
6. High blood sugar
Yoga is considered a promising option for the treatment and prevention of diabetes.
Controlling mental stress is one of the keys to treating diabetes. When we are stressed, blood sugar levels rise, and high blood sugar levels increase the likelihood of serious complications such as heart disease.
Using breathing techniques, meditation and body yoga poses, as well as other mindfulness-based programs, participants are taught to induce a state of relaxation. This state helps regulate levels of cortisol and other stress hormones.
7. Irritable bowel
Yoga can be very effective for gas and irritable bowel syndrome. These phenomena are very unpleasant and can be very painful. Regular yoga practice helps to improve bowel function and get rid of constipation and excessive gas.
People who have incorporated yoga into their lives and practiced it regularly for 1-2 months have experienced a significant reduction in bothersome symptoms associated with irritable bowel syndrome.
Before you start practicing yoga, consult your doctor or yoga therapist to see if it's right for you. Also, discuss with the specialist what modifications of postures might be helpful in your case.
One thing I'm sure of is that no matter what problem you're facing. Yoga can dramatically change your life for the better.
Namaste!