Why Yoga? Some research
Benefits of Yoga # 1 of Many. Vital lung Capacity.
Vital lung capacity is of particular interest to athletes as well as those with conditions such as asthma or other respiratory conditions including (by my inference) those recovering from COVID, persons with heart disease & smokers. In a study, subjects were taught yoga poses, breathing techniques, and relaxation in two 50-minute class meetings for 15 weeks and the study results showed a significant improvement in vital lung capacity across all categories (smokers, asthmatics etc.) See https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/11076447/
Benefits of Yoga # 2 of Many. Reduced Inflammation
Pro-inflammatory markers play a role in coronary heart disease, depression, type 2 diabetes, arthritis, osteoporosis, Alzheimer’s disease and periodontal disease. A study found that there was significant difference between the Pro-inflammatory marker levels of a group of yoga practioners and a non-yoga group indicating that regular practice of yoga protects against the rise in these Pro-inflammatory markers when individuals were exposed to physical stresses/unaccustomed physical activity. See https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4525504/.
Benefits of Yoga # 3 of Many. Chronic pain and osteoarthritis – pain alleviation
There is a growing body of evidence suggesting that yoga can be effective for those with chronic pain issues. One study found that yoga intervention resulted in reductions in pain, stiffness, and swelling in those who have osteoarthritis. See https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26495816/
Benefits of Yoga # 4 of Many. Reduced Anxiety
We become stuck in patterns of thought that only perpetuate our suffering. These turnings of the mind” or thoughts on a loop, on replay, keep us in the past or the future and don’t actually help us resolve the issue at hand since we can’t predict the future and our memories of the past are perfectly imperfect and full of perceptions and misperceptions not necessarily reality.
Through yoga, breathwork & the movement practice, we bring our brains back to our breath, back to our mats, back to the present – a truly grounding & safe place to be. We take body scans, identify where we are storing stress in the form of knots over the body, and move in a way the supports the current mood rather than toss it aside. Moving with ease in effort and breathing through it is a skill we practice ON the mat so you can take it with you OFF the mat when you need it the most.
Benefits of Yoga # 5 of Many. For ZZZ’s
Studies have shown that making yoga a part of your routine can help promote better sleep. One study compared a group of 120 residents either doing yoga, doing nothing, or taking an herbal formula – the end result was that the yoga-practicing group fell asleep faster, slept longer, and felt more rested upon waking.
See https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/15937373/