Yoga and its Health Benefits
Published on Nov 15, 2014 and last reviewed on Jan 20, 2023 - 2 min read
Abstract
Yoga is becoming prominent in the medical field because of its beneficial results for various ailments. It has become evident with research as well as clinical observation. Learn more about this safe, economical, and easy way of life.
Yoga is an ancient Indian science which has gained prominence in the medical field in the last 20 years. Reason for this popularity is, accumulating research evidence and testimonials from patients regarding health benefits. According to Sage Patanjali, who is the author of the yoga text “Patanjali Yoga Sutra”, yoga is a way to control the modifications of mind.
If we just have a look at the eight limbs of “Ashtanga Yoga” it will become clear to us that yoga not only works on mind but also helps in maintaining physical fitness. Eight limbs of yoga are:
- Yama (Don’ts).
- Niyama (Do’s).
- Asana (Physical postures).
- Pranayama (Breathing exercises).
- Pratyahara (Control over sense organs).
- Dharana (Focussing).
- Dhyana (Meditation).
- Samadhi (State of thoughtlessness).
Efficacy of Yoga in Management of Several Diseases:
- What has gained prominence in the last few years is asana, pranayama and meditation.
- There are approximately 3000 research papers published in different national and international journals suggesting role of yoga for various ailments.
- Efficacy of yoga has been proved by various studies for diabetes mellitus, hypertension, coronary artery disease, Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, fibromyalgia, asthma, nasal allergy, non-organic headache, Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD), depression, post-traumatic stress disorder, obesity, low back ache, menstrual disorders and even pregnancy related problems.
- Even patients with psychotic disorders like schizophrenia get benefitted from regular yoga practices.
- Research is being conducted for its role in patients with epilepsy as an add-on treatment.
- It has also been observed that quality of life improves in patients with different forms of cancers.
Though yoga is sometimes considered as equivalent to exercise, meditation and pranayama makes it different from routine exercise, which gives additional benefits. It has also been observed that yoga provides us a safe and effective tool for dealing with the problems related to ageing. Apart from being safe, it is cost-effective and easy to learn. It will not be wrong to say that future of medicine is not just about prescription of drugs by consultant, but also prescription of specific lifestyle to avoid the ailment and to tackle the one existing already. And yoga is going to secure a place in prescription in future.
To know more about asanas and pranayama, consult a yoga specialist online --> https://www.icliniq.com/ask-a-doctor-online/yoga-specialist
Frequently Asked Questions
1.
What Is Yoga?
Yoga is a method of praying and praising your body. Yoga helps in ensuring flexibility to the body and attain stamina to perform day-to-day activities. It has to be done in an enjoyable way. Yoga should not be done as an obligation to the body. It should be done by enjoying the graceful bending and stretching.
2.
What Are the Types of Yoga?
The different types of yoga are:
- Ashtanga yoga.
- Vinyasa yoga.
- Hatha yoga.
- Prenatal yoga.
- Power yoga.
- Restorative yoga.
- Kundalini yoga.
- Aerial yoga.
3.
What Are the Benefits of Yoga?
Yoga provides the following benefits.
- Stretches the shoulder and arms.
- Serves as a therapy for asthma, indigestion, backache, and congestion.
- Improves concentration.
- Lengthens the spine.
4.
Does Yoga Help in Reducing Belly Fat?
Yes, yoga can reduce belly fat. Yoga serves as a good alternative option for gym workouts. The fat that is present in the abdomen can be reduced with yoga. It provides a refreshed feeling for the body, mind, and soul.
5.
When Should You Not Do Yoga?
Yoga should be avoided in the following situations.
- Low blood pressure.
- Headache.
- Insomnia.
- Back pain or injury.
Certain types of yoga should be avoided during the menstrual cycle and pregnancy. It is good to contact your doctor for help.
6.
Is It Possible to Reduce Weight With the Help of Yoga?
Yes, it is possible to reduce weight with the help of yoga. Dhanurasana is a yoga that can work well for weight loss. Weight loss with yoga is a progressive process and will require time to notice better results.
7.
How Often Should I Do Yoga?
Yoga can be practiced three or four times a week. If you are a beginner, then you can perform yoga on alternative days. It is better to practice yoga during the morning time. You can use a yoga mat for your practice.
8.
What Is the Best Time to Do Yoga?
Yoga feels more energetic and effective when it is performed during the morning time. It provides complete positivity for the day. If the posture is performed correctly, yoga can be a good exercise if it is done during the evening time also.
9.
What Happens to Your Body When You Start Doing Yoga?
When you start practicing yoga, your core muscles will start to strengthen. Your triceps muscles start building up. The food preferences might also change when you start performing yoga. The hormonal level is balanced, and the stress is greatly reduced. The flexibility of the body is greatly increased.
10.
Which Yoga is the most difficult?
The difficult yoga poses are:
- The yoga sleep pose.
- Formidable face pose.
- The corpse poses.
- One-handed tree pose.
- Crow pose.
- Eight-angle pose.
- The plow.
11.
What Are the Exercises That Can Be Done at Home?
The following exercises can be done at home:
- Standing overhead.
- Lunges.
- Dumbbell rows.
- Single-leg deadlifts.
- Squats.
- Burpees.
- Side planks.
12.
Are There Any Simple Yoga Exercises?
The simple yoga exercises that can be performed are:
- Standing forward bend.
- Mountain pose.
- Raised arms pose.
- Garland Pose.
- Plank.
- Staff pose.
- Seated forward bend.
- Lunge.
13.
Why Is Yoga So Healthy?
Yoga is so healthy because of the following reasons:
- Builds core strength.
- Improves balance and stability.
- Expands chest, lungs, and shoulders.
- Strengthens the glutes, thighs, and leg muscles.
14.
Can Yoga Heal Your Body?
Yoga can help in overcoming physical injuries. Yoga is the best form of mindfulness exercise. There are a lot of mental and physical benefits of yoga. The muscles in pain can also be relieved by yoga. Yoga can be helpful for back pain problems also.
15.
Can Yoga Help With Anxiety?
Anxiety is a psychological problem. Medical reports suggest that mood can stabilize by yoga practices. Endorphins are released in yoga and can help in providing a happy mood. The symptoms of depression can be overcome by performing yoga. You can also get help from icliniq.com.
Last reviewed at:
20 Jan 2023 - 2 min read
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