Yoga is an interdisciplinary group of spiritual, mental, and physical disciplines or philosophies that originated in early ancient India. In its most common form, yoga is one of the eight orthodox traditions of Hinduism practiced by millions of people worldwide. The word “yoga” means “union,” “notion,” sincerity.” It is thought to be the ultimate path for happiness and fulfillment by both the yogis and the people who practice it.
There are many types of yoga. Hatha yoga combines gentle stretching and physical exercises with meditation, breathing exercises, and proper diet and lifestyle. It is often practiced as a complement to conventional Western medicine and has been shown to help reduce the stress levels of patients undergoing cancer treatment. One study showed that women given special classes in yoga helped treat their breast cancer tumors while simultaneously reducing their stress levels.
Another benefit of yoga is weight loss and improved cardiovascular health. Many people can benefit from strengthening their abdominal muscles through Hatha yoga, which strengthens the muscles between the ribs and the rectum. The muscles improve digestion and increase the amount of calories that are burned by the body. The muscles between the rectum and esophagus are important factors in digestion, because they allow food to travel from the stomach and out of the esophagus. A weak muscle between these two organs can result in heartburn, which affects one in five Americans. Yoga helps strengthen abdominal muscles and, therefore, reduces heartburn.
Aside from helping alleviate anxiety, high blood pressure, insomnia, depression, and other common mental and physical disorders, yoga also helps relieve physical ailments. Yoga positions like the Sukhasana, a forward bend, stretch the entire body, opening the joints and allowing them to relax. Some positions help to reduce stress, like the warrior pose, which aligns the spine and stretches the body so that it becomes less tense.
Many doctors recommend yoga, because it has been shown to help with many common illnesses and conditions. One of those conditions is high blood pressure, which usually affects middle-aged and older individuals. High blood pressure can cause symptoms like dizziness, fatigue, headache, nausea, and other ailments. Yoga can improve circulation, which improves overall flexibility. In addition to improving the overall flexibility of the body, yoga also helps relieve stress, which improves the symptoms of many common illnesses.
There are many styles of yoga, but the most popular is Hatha yoga, which is characterized by its emphasis on meditation and deep breathing exercises. To do the postures correctly, you must first learn the basic postures, which are called asanas, then learn how to breathe deeply and gradually. By doing these two processes, you’ll be able to achieve better health and get a stronger immune system. As you improve your flexibility, you’ll also build strength and stamina.
