Introduction
With a history of 5,000 years in ancient Indian philosophy, yoga is a practice that integrates both the mind and body.
Distinct yoga styles integrate physical poses, regulated breathing techniques, and meditation or relaxation practices.
Benefits of Yoga for physical health
Yoga has been shown to have a wide range of benefits for physical health, including:
- Improved flexibility
- Increased strength
- Reduced pain
- Improved balance
- Improved cardiovascular health
- Weight loss
By practicing yoga, individuals can experience advantages such as lowered risk of chronic illnesses such as heart disease, stroke, type 2 diabetes, and certain types of cancer. In addition to physical benefits, yoga can also positively impact mental health.
Yoga has also been shown to have a number of benefits for mental health, including:
- Reduced stress and anxiety
- Improved mood
- Improved sleep
- Increased self-esteem
- Improved cognitive function
- Reduced symptoms of depression
- Increased mindfulness and focus
