Yoga Benefits

The benefits of an ongoing yoga practice are phenomenal. Yoga is truly a healing practice on every level of your being mentally, physically, and spiritually. However, it is recommended that you talk with your doctor before beginning any new physical practice. All yoga is good; find a style that resonates with you. There are many gentle styles of Hatha Yoga that can be practiced with little or no difficulty. Some gentle forms include Svaroopaâ, Sivananda and Viniyoga. The more “aggressive” or challenging forms are Ashtanga, Iyengar, and Bikram.

Now that yoga is becoming more popular it will be easy for you to find a teacher in your area (see the link to Yoga Teacher Directory on our Resource Page). Talk with your teacher and discuss your needs; this will improve your practice and insure that you have found the right style of yoga for you. Sample different styles until you find what is right for you!

I have listed some benefits that can occur on every level through regular practice (at least two to three times a week).

Mentally

  • Calms the mind and brings peace of mind
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  • Increases memory, concentration and intellectual capacity
  • Encourages perseverance
  • Develops internal balance and harmony

  • Invigorates the mind and nervous system, controlling many nervous complaints

  • Relieves stress and mental agitation

  • Regulates moods and emotions

  • Nourishes mental poise and awareness

  • Prepares the mind for meditation


    • Physical Benefits:

  • Reduces and controls high blood pressure

  • Gives the heart a rest

  • Increases spinal flexibility

  • Helps to maintain strong bones and aids in the prevention of osteoporosis

  • Aids in proper digestion

  • Indigestion and constipation are relieved and can be eliminated completely

  • Improves eyesight

  • Helps to regulate body weight

  • Helps to relieve asthma and other respiratory problems

  • Oxygenates the brain and increases blood circulation

  • Brings a rich supply of nutrients to the brain, spine and nervous system, rejuvenating the whole body

  • Stimulates the immune system

  • Insures proper rest during sleep

  • Increases energy

  • Helps to decrease the effects of Fibro-Myalgia and in some cases has eliminated it completely


    • Spiritually:

  • Awakens inner awareness

  • Increases compassion for self and others

  • Improves and increases positive thinking

  • Increases sense of awareness in the mundane world helps to “make sense of it all”

  • Improves interaction with others and opens your heart

  • Gives a great sense of peace and assurance that comes from knowing your soul
  • Awakens innate sense of joy and gives meaning and purpose to life.

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