(NaturalNews) Many people choose to practice yoga for the relaxation and flexibility benefits it brings. Yoga is a low impact form of exercise that strengthens muscles, increases balance, improves flexibility, and reduces stress with various poses and breathing exercises. Recent studies show that there are actual physical benefits of incorporating yoga into one's life. People who regularly practice yoga reduce compounds in the blood that contribute to inflammation. Yoga has also been shown to increase heart rate variability (HRV) which is a sign of good heart health.
Yoga is an ancient practice that combines physical poses and breathing exercises. The physical, mental, and spiritual benefits of yoga are numerous. Yoga improves circulation and respiration and can increase metabolism and energy. The mental benefits of yoga include relief from stress, anxiety reduction, and increased self-confidence. Many people practice yoga for the spiritual benefits and the connection it brings to the mind, body, and spirit.
A recent study conducted at Ohio State University included 50 female participants. Half of the women were yoga novices who had practiced yoga for fewer than 12 sessions and the other women were considered experts who had practiced yoga twice a week for 2 years. Blood samples were drawn at various times during the study when the women were asked to perform yoga and light treadmill walking and during a stress test.
The blood samples showed that women who did not regularly practice yoga had 41% higher levels of pro-inflammatory cytokine IL-6. This is a substance that increases inflammation in the body. Inflammation plays a major role in age-related diseases including heart disease and diabetes. This study shows that practicing yoga can help people fight illnesses as they age by reducing their levels of cytokine IL-6.
Another study shows that yoga increases heart rate variability. A high HRV is a sign of a healthy heart. The study assessed 42 men who were yoga novices and 42 men who were yoga experts. Those who regularly practiced yoga showed strengthening of parasympathetic control or control of heart rate indicating a healthier heart.
These studies show that there are numerous health benefits of practicing yoga on a regular basis. Yoga reduces the levels of cytokine IL-6, thus reducing inflammation in the body. Regular yoga sessions also increase heart rate variability which promotes heart health. By incorporating yoga into one's life just 2 times a week, people can realize many physical, mental, and spiritual benefits.
Sources
Inderscience Publishers (2009, November 25). Yoga boosts heart health, new research finds. ScienceDaily. Retrieved January 22, 2010, from http://www.sciencedaily.com /releases/2009/11/091109121216.htm
Ohio State University (2010, January 14). Yoga reduces cytokine levels known to promote inflammation, study shows. ScienceDaily. Retrieved January 22, 2010, from http://www.sciencedaily.com /releases/2010/01/100111122643.htm
Steve G. Jones, Ed.S. has been practicing hypnotherapy since the 1980s. He is the author of 22 books on Hypnotherapy. Steve is a member of the National Guild of Hypnotists, American Board of Hypnotherapy, president of the American Alliance of Hypnotists, on the board of directors of the Los Angeles chapter of the American Lung Association, and director of the Steve G. Jones School of Clinical Hypnotherapy. Steve G. Jones, Ed.S. is a board certified Clinical Hypnotherapist. He has a bachelor's degree in psychology from the University of Florida (1994), a master's degree in education from Armstrong Atlantic State University (2007), and is currently working on a doctorate in education, Ed.D., at Georgia Southern University. Learn more at: http://www.betterlivingwithhypnosis.com/
FREE online report shows how we can save America through a nutrition health care
revolution. "Eating healthy is patriotic!" Click here to read it now...
The
Healing Power of Sunlight and Vitamin D
In this exclusive interview, Dr. Michael Holick reveals fascinating facts on
how vitamin D is created and used in the human body to ward off chronic diseases
like cancer, osteoporosis, mental disorders and more. Click here to read it now...
Vaccines:
Get the Full Story
The International Medical Council on Vaccination has released, exclusively through
NaturalNews.com, a groundbreaking document containing the signatures of physicians,
brain surgeons and professors, all of which have signed on to a document stating
that vaccines pose a significant risk of harm to the health of children.
Click here to read it now...
Health
Ranger Storable Organics
GMO-free, chemical-free foods and superfoods for long-term storage and preparedness.
See selection at www.StorableOrganics.com
Email this article to a friend
Now Available from 
