Yoga is one of the most ancient forms of physical and mental self-improvement and personal therapy known to man, with its roots stretching far back into the misty days of prehistory.
There’s a reason why yoga has withstood the test of time so well, and why it’s now experiencing a resurgence of popularity across the world. Simply put, yoga works.
If you find yourself chronically stressed, struggling with insomnia, dealing with nagging aches and pains, or having a hard time finding your centre, yoga has the ability to help, and can in many cases have such a tremendous impact that it rivals or even surpasses medication.
In an age when we all seem to be more stressed than ever, and when pharmaceutical prescriptions are through the roof, a more holistic tool in your toolbox could be just what the doctor ordered.
Here are some reasons why you should take up a yoga practice.
Yoga can help relieve chronic pain
Research has found that yoga can help to relieve chronic pain. In fact, separate studies have found evidence that yoga can be an effective treatment for carpal tunnel syndrome, as well as osteoarthritis of the ankle.
Chronic pain is, unfortunately, a pretty common issue that a lot of us struggle with on a regular basis. Rather than turning immediately to pharmaceutical interventions, you might be better off easing yourself into some gentle yoga poses and sequence at home, and seeing if that helps at all.
Of course, if you have severe, ongoing pain, you should consult with a medical professional before trying to self-medicate with yoga. Sciatica pain, for example, may well require specialist attention.
Yoga might improve your sleep
Getting enough sleep is one of the most important things we can do for our health, and many writers and researchers have been singing the praises of a good night’s slumber for a long time now.
Matthew Walker, neuroscientist and author of the bestselling book “Why We Sleep”, notes that good sleep is essential for the correct functioning of just about every single mechanism and system in the body, and that sleep deprivation — taken far enough — leads to brain damage and then death.
Research has found that, for whatever reason, subjects who performed a yoga routine slept better than those who didn’t. Specifically, yoga-enthusiasts fall asleep faster, sleep for longer, and feel more rested once they awake.
Yoga can help you find your centre and take a step back from the rat race
It isn’t just a set of physical exercises, it also includes meditative elements, both in the form of breathing exercise, specific meditative practices, and the euphoric and focus-building effect of holding some of the poses.
Yoga can help you to relax and reorient your attention, to take a step back from the rat race, and to shake off some of the concern and anxiety that often piles up on us as we make our way through life.
If you feel that you’re chronically stressed, a yoga routine might be your salvation.
Disclaimer: this is a collaborative post. Contact me here.
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