Benefits of Yoga

This ancient practice has been used as a form of alternative medicine for over 5000years. Not surprisingly considering the innumerable benefits of yoga ranging from: increased flexibility, co-ordination, and concentration, to increased sleep, digestion, and reduced stress. The broad range of methods being practised today ensure that everyone can enjoy the many mind body benefits of yoga. The benefits of yoga can vastly differ depending on the time of day during which the exercises are practised, and the type of yoga that is the focus. When practised first thing in the morning before a meal, yoga can have a rejuvenating effect on the mind and the body. Mindful practice of yoga in the afternoon can have an energising effect, making is easier to get over a midday slump. By contract, the benefits of yoga in the evening are calming.

An awareness of breathing have been proven to actually slow the pulse. Regular practice helps remove the symptoms of disease and chronic pain in the body by increasing blood flow and circulation. As breathing techniques are practised, the constant unobstructed flow of energy in form of breath is encouraged to pass through the system. According to traditional belief, such clear pathways pave the way for self-realisation. Yogis not only practised postures in an attempt to prepare the body for sitting in meditation for long periods of time, but they also believed that the awareness that comes from the combination of postures, meditation, and breathing could lead towards enlightenment.