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Benefits of Hatha
Yoga Practice: Effects of Yoga, Breathwork & Meditation
by
Marianne Woods Cirone, M.S., R.Y.T., Certified Yoga Teacher Practicing hatha yoga can yield a vast
array of benefits which practitioners often claim create a complete
reversal of medical conditions. The benefits will vary based on the
poses practiced, and the intensity (measured by awareness, not sweat) and
duration and frequency of practice. The benefits of hatha yoga
practice have been passed down through the oral tradition over thousands
of years. Today, modern scientists confirm the benefits
of yoga practice for general health and well-being, as well as a therapy
for certain medical conditions. Listed below are some of the
benefits of a practice of yoga postures, breathing, and meditation,
according to the stunning book Yoga: The Path to Holistic Health by B.K.S. Iyengar and
other sources.
General Benefits
- Relieves fatigue and boosts energy
levels
- Stimulates glands and functioning of the
immune system, enhances recovery from illnesses
- Reduces the effects of stress
- Improves focus, concentration and mood
- Alleviates insomnia
- Spiritual, intellectual and creative
energies are released
- Counters obesity, assists in
normalization of weight
- Can support treatment of addictions and
eating disorders
Cardiovascular Benefits
- Can normalize blood pressure
- Tones the muscles of the heart
- Can help to reduce cardiac disorders,
part of a program by Dr. Dean Ornish to reverse heart disease
- Improves circulation, minimizes varicose
veins
Musculoskeletal Benefits
- Lengthens the spine and improves its
alignment
- Corrects bad posture
- Counters the effects of aging on the
spine and bones, tones muscles
- Prevents osteoporosis, builds bone
- Prevents hernia
- Prevents and treats back problems,
including disc conditions; decompresses the spine
- Relieves sciatic and arthritis pain, can
retard the progress of arthritis
- Keeps muscles flexibility and joints
movable
- Corrects flat feet
- Relieves lower backache
Respiratory Benefits
- Improves breathing capacity
- Studies show improvement in asthmatic
symptoms
- Can improve sinus conditions
- Increases the elasticity of lung tissue
Hormonal Benefits
- Normalizes the menstrual cycle, checks
heavy menstrual flow and relieves menstrual pain
- Helps to prevent hot flashes
- Can increase fertility
Digestive Benefits
- Rejuvenates abdominal organs and
improves digestion
- Can improve hemorrhoids, constipation
and flatulence
- Relieves stomach ache, reduces gatritis
and acidity
- Helps calm irritable bowel syndrome,
ulcers and colitis
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