Yoga has been practiced by man since centuries, for better health and happier living.As per history, in previous centuries, men and women in Indiaused to practice yoga regularly and were able to lead a healthy life. They could even do the challenging tasks with ease. They were very active, flexible, and led a healthy life despite the lack of technology and development.

Cut to the fast paced life today, in which pollution and unhealthy food have ruined our health physically and mentally. Fortunately for humankind, yoga has come back as an aid andreached the masses all over the world.We should be thankful for the efforts made by individuals and groups who have put in great efforts to bring in light the lost art of yoga.

Before we go in-depth knowledge about yoga’s benefits, let us first try to know what yoga is.

What is Yoga?

The word yoga means union. It is an ancient body science that uses the body as a tool, to unite the body with the mind and spirit. It is a combination of different poses and breath-control thatprepares the body for meditation.

Yoga has many benefits mentally and physically and can help to tackle modern day problems like weight gain and early signs of aging. As we all know, most medications cure ailments, but have some or the other side effects. But yoga, can help manage a lot of bodily problems without any harmful side effects.

Physical Benefits of Yoga –

Yoga is a complete guide on how to lead a healthy lifestyle. Let us see,some benefits thatwill motivate you to incorporate yoga into your life.

(A) Improving Flexibility of the Spine :

The primary benefit of yoga is to enhance the flexibility of the spine. Spine’s health is what determines a person’s true health condition. Regular and proper yoga practice ensures increased spine flexibility and proper alignment of the body.

Spine stiffness is one of the major causes of various problems in the body. It may result in pain in any part of the body like shoulders, hips, back or knees. Certain Yoga asanas work on stretching the spine at the right spots to release tension and reduce stiffness of muscles. This in turn helps alleviate pains and improve quality of life.

Asanas like-

• Tadasana (Mountain Pose) helps to stretch the spine.
• Marjari asana (Cat Stretch Pose) realigns the spine and increases flexibility.

(B) Builds Muscle Strength

Hitting the gym and lifting weights can give you well-shaped muscles, but it will be at the cost of flexibility. On the other hand, yoga helps you to build muscles while maintaining the flexibility of the body. Muscle-building asanas build body’s strength and provide a body shape much better than a weight lifting program. The muscles you get with yoga are natural, and not a result of protein supplements (which are big burden on the digestive system). The modern trend now, is anyways not to have a buffed-up body but a lean, strong and flexible one.

Build muscle strength by-

• Surya Namaskar (Sun Salutation)
• Virbhadrasana (Warrior Pose)
• Bhujangasana ( Cobra Pose)

(C) Perfects your Posture

Have you ever looked at people you have a slouchy body posture? Drooping shoulders makes them look dull and less active and affects their personality. Poor posture gives a wrong impression of the person, no matter how diligent and smart they may be. On the other hand, a person with a good body posture is noticed by all, and usually regarded as being more interested and active.

Yoga is a great way to correct body posture and improve confidence. All the problems which are result of poor posture like cervical, back aches and shoulder aches can be managed with proper yoga asanas-

• Trikonasana (Triangle pose)
• Naukasana (Boat Pose)
• Dhanurasana (Bow Pose)

(D) Improves Sexual Wellness

Yoga can improve sexual desire, arousal and orgasm. As yoga helps to develop a sense of calmness, strength,stamina, agility and confidence, it results in a better overall sexual experience.

To build core strength and increase blood flow to organs-

• Shalabasana (Locust Pose)
• Garudasana (Eagle Pose)
• Setu Bandhasana (Bridge Pose)
• Setu Bandhasana (Bridge Pose)

(E) Improves Your Bone Health

Bone density is great way judge a person’s bone health. Yoga practice can really maintain and improve a person’s bone health, as many asanas require to put weight on shoulders, hands, arms and legs. Theses asanas build bone strength without involving any risks of heavy weights or hernia. In yoga, one uses their own body weight to tone up and build strength. Yoga reducesstress and balances hormones that maintain the level of calcium in the bones.

To prevent osteoporosis and improve bone density –

• Trikonasana (Triangle Pose)
• Adho Mukha Svanasana (Downward Facing Dog Pose)
• UtthitaParsvakonasana (Side Angle Pose)
• Uttanasana (Forward Bend)

Mental Benefits of Yoga-

Yoga helps in increasing the blood flow to all the cells in human body. It increases the supply oxygen to the cells and improves overall vitality of a person. This enhanced vitality and feeling of strength in turn improves one’s mental setup and health.

Yoga consists of various breathing exercises called Pranayama, which help to regulate breath and control the energy flow in the body. With proper spinal alignment and breath control one can remove their energy blockages, and experience lightness of being.

Like any new activity, which takes some time, devotion and discipline to learn, learning yoga too takes time and patience. Unlike any other fast paced health routines, which offer results in few weeks or months, yoga is a slow process. But be assured, whatever you achieve with yoga practice stays for life, it is not a fad and is here to stay.

Disclaimer- The above mentioned yoga poses are to be a part of a whole yoga routine, which would include warm ups and preparatory asanas depending on the practitioner’s requirement. They have been mentioned here to inspire and motivate those who wish to embark on a journey of yoga.

You may find more information and yoga related products on Soulgenie.com or HealthAndYoga.com