The Science behind Yoga

The interesting video attached below gives some of the latest findings on how Yoga is so beneficial.

http://upliftconnect.com/watch-science-behind-yoga/

1 - The physical postures work the body to improve how it functions.  These can be modified for anyone.  They can be done lying down or sitting in a chair.  Poses strengthen and create space in the body so energy can flow (oxygen, heat, synovial fluid, glucose etc plus information through nerves, hormones etc  which brings health).


2 - Breath is slowed down and breath capacity is increased, which affects the parasympathetic nervous system, reduces blood pressure and changes our response to stress.


So working with attention to the breath we reduce stress and then, when challenge is introduced in the form of poses, we use our breath control and our focussed mind to deal with the challenge in our practice and continue to pay attention to this in our everyday lives.


90% of illness is stress related.  15 minutes yoga daily over 6 weeks was effective in trials to significantly reduce the anxiety and depression felt by participants and to increase their positive experiences.  By focussing attention you change brain activity and structure.  Even gene activity like our immune response is changed.  


Yoga develops our mind body awareness, which helps us move through mental and emotional blockages, transforms our relationships with others and our environment and gives us a clearer sense of ourselves and our purpose.

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http://upliftconnect.com/watch-science-behind-yoga/