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Benefits of Yoga

Published On: February 1, 2010, 3:10 am

By Meenakshi Narang

Practitioners of Yoga reap great health benefits from it. This is the reason the meditative art form has become a global phenomenon. People across the world are increasingly adopting Yoga in their daily lives. Human beings have come to realize that this over 5,000 year-old practice has a positive influence on one’s life. Yoga is great, not just for the body, but also for the mental and spiritual well-being of a person.

Almost any and everyone can become a follower of Yoga. It can be practiced by the youngest and the oldest alike. Ailing individuals have made use of Yoga to bring succour to their lives. Yoga has an all-round positive effect on the body and life of the individuals. Some of its benefits, however, are more visible than others. Yoga helps reduce stress levels of individuals making them calm and composed. It helps relax the body.

The practice of Yoga leads to a healthy body and mind. It not only increases an individual’s flexibility, but also gives a fillip to his stamina. People, who have practiced Yoga for a long period of time, say that it increases one’s ability to concentrate. This is one of the reasons why young individuals are encouraged to take up Yoga. The yogic principles also bring about a measure of self-control in the human body. Yoga gives the mind a sense of clarity.

For older people, Yoga helps recover from their ailments at a much faster rate than any other physical exercise. While it speeds up the recovery from an ailment, it also increases one’s endurance towards pain. For individuals in general, Yoga is a great form of physical work-out. It builds up their immune system, thereby improving the flow of blood and toning up the body. The overall functioning of the body receives an overhaul, thanks to the practice of Yoga. Due to the physical positions that Yoga prescribes, one can correct one’s body posture as well. Women, especially, take up Yoga as it gives them a healthy and glowing skin.

In terms of mental health, Yoga practitioners acquire an optimistic approach towards life. But Yoga is best known for its healing qualities. There is hardly an ailment that cannot be cured by the regular practice of Yoga. Illnesses such as arthritis, back pain, anemia, bronchitis, cancer, diabetes, depression, thyroid problems, sleep deprivation and much more can be cured or curtailed with the help of Yoga.