More and more people worldwide are practicing yoga. Whether in a yoga studio, a gym, outside in the park or at home for online classes or self-practice: more and more people are rolling out their yoga mat. Yoga "business" is "booming" (although unfortunately not everyone is benefiting, check out our previous blog). Not surprising, considering the many positive effects of yoga on physical and mental health.
In this blog, we will delve into the scientifically proven effects on physical health. Keep an eye out for future blogs on yoga's effect on mental-emotional health, illness prevention and recovery, stress reduction in the workplace and more.
Scientific research on the physical effects of yoga
Worldwide, scientific researchers are showing increasing interest in the positive effects of yoga. The list of "benefits" seems endless. Here is a sampling of recent scientific findings.
∞ When you practice yoga regularly you improve blood circulation and lower your blood pressure.
∞ You also improve the respiratory system and promote (cardiovascular) endurance and gastrointestinal functions.
∞ In addition, yoga strengthens your immune system, increases your tolerance to pain and improves your digestion.
∞ Yoga stimulates detoxification processes in the body, slowing down aging processes.
∞ Your posture improves.
∞ You become stronger and more energetic.
∞ Your "core" is getting stronger.
∞ Your body awareness improves.
∞ You sleep better.
Less stress
Yoga reduces stress by reducing levels of the stress hormone cortisol in the body. A 2017 study focuses on the effects of yoga on stress among employees in the workplace: 'The stress of modern working life requires effective coping strategies that are accessible and affordable to the general public. Significant reductions in stress (...) were found within the yoga group over 16 weeks. Compared to the control group, yoga practitioners showed a significant decrease in stress, anxiety, improvement in overall psychological health, and a significant increase in well-being. The group that did not practice yoga showed a significant decrease in stress, anxiety, depression and insomnia after participants made the switch and practiced yoga for 8 weeks."
Positive effect on depression, inflammation and heart disease
Studies show that yoga can reduce symptoms of depression. Some studies show that yoga can reduce inflammation in the body and help prevent "inflammatory markers" in the body. Finally, research supports the fact that yoga can help reduce risk factors for heart disease.
Let more people benefit!
If this age-old practice has so many proven positive effects on physical health, why shouldn't we strive to let as many people as possible benefit from these effects? That way, together, we make the world a little bit more inclusive and healthier little by little. At YOOKE, we do this by introducing yoga (possibly in combination with coaching) into the workplace. And with a portion of the profits, we support yoga teachers and their community programs.
Want to know more?
If you want to learn more about the studies used in this blog, go to:
https://www.intrayogatherapy.com/77-health-benefits-of-yoga
https://www.health.harvard.edu/staying-healthy/yoga-benefits-beyond-the-mat
https://www.nm.org/healthbeat/healthy-tips/fitness/science-based-benefits-behind-yoga
https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/13-benefits-of-yoga#TOC_TITLE_HDR_4
https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/326414#stress
https://www.elsevier.com/connect/the-science-of-yoga-what-new-research-reveals
https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/full/10.1177/2156587217715927