How Yoga Impacts Our Health

I tell my clients that if they have time for only one activity then do Yoga. Why yoga? Yoga impacts what I refer to as the triad of well-being---mind ( psychological), body ( physiological), and spirit (emotions/perceptions). It is an ancient spiritual practice, a moving meditation, that keeps the focus on what is happening in the present.

The Psychological Benefits of yoga include: improved mood, decrease in anxiety and depression, improved interpersonal relationships, and somatic and kinesthetic awareness.

A consistent yoga practice improves mood and the ability to be resilient. The ability to handle stressful situations improves and a sense of tranquility lessens fears and worries by focusing on thinking, feeling, and doing in the present moment.

Social adjustment increases through the ability to maintain strong interpersonal relationships.The non-competitive nature of yoga fosters a sense of interconnectedness and belonging to a community

Since Yoga is a moving meditation, the result is a decrease in anxiety and depression. The physical postures ( Asanas) aid in the regulation of hormone activity which helps to regulate mood

Somatic and kinesthetic awareness increase as one begins to live in the present, concentrating on what is happening in the here and now.

The Physiologic Benefits of yoga are well documented in medical literature and include: the stabilization and balance of the autonomic nervous system which "turns off" the body's physiological stress response, a stronger and more efficient heart muscle, and increased lung capacity and more efficient use of oxygen.

Additionally, blood pressure decreases as less tension is placed on the blood vessels and the entire vascular system. Gastrointestinal function normalizes decreasing the chances for Irritable Bowel Syndrome, Constipation, and Ulcers.

Yoga has a direct effect on thyroid gland, lessening the chance of developing thyroid disorders and aids in the regulation of blood sugar which decreases the potential for developing diabetes.

Increased muscle flexibility and strength and improved range of motion and sense of balance are the result of yoga directly impacting all the muscles in the body. In addition, there is decreased risk of developing Osteoporosis because of the direct physical impact on the large bones in the body.

Additionally, a consistent yoga practice aids in weight management and improvement in sleep. Yoga boosts the immune system minimizing the risk of colds and infections. Pain decreases because more oxygen is available for the cells and muscles, total cholesterol and triglycerides decrease; lessening the chances of developing heart disease. Brain cells are nourished due to the increase availability of oxygen to the brain and Oxytocin ( the binding/relationship hormone) is increased.

Medical Science is now recognizing how our Spirit impacts our health and well-being. The balance and harmony between our mind-body-and spirit is essential for well- being. The root cause of many chronic diseases and illness are emotional and spiritual in nature. Heart Disease, Asthma, Gastric Ulcers, and even some forms of cancer are linked to negativity, depression, anger, and isolation. Illness and disease can not always be prevented, there are measures that can be taken to help minimize the risk of illness and disease.

Yoga helps us to grow in love, compassion, and gratitude; becoming more self-accepting and more accepting of others. Hostility decreases and a sense of peace and tranquility permeates our being. Negative feelings and emotions are replaced with contentment, The result is becoming pro-active instead of reactive to life situations.

Yoga requires no specific skills and is suitable for most. Yoga is empowering and a consistent practice can help maintain good health and well-being.

Teresa Palmer, MSN, RN ( http://www.wellnesswithoutboundaries.com ) has been in the healing profession for 30 years. She is a Registered Nurse, Nationally Certified Nurse Practitioner, and Certified Yoga Therapist with an expertise in Health and Spirituality. She is often a guest on WBAI ( 99.5FM) radio and The Positive Mind with Armand DiMele. Teresa is the Founder of Wellness Without Boundaries, a consultancy focusing on strategies for better managing illness and disease holistically through counseling, behavior modification, meditation, and yoga.