Benefits of Yoga

You've probably heard that yoga is good for you. Maybe you have even tried it and discovered that it makes you feel better. A regular practice can offers all kinds of mental and physical health benefits. Some, like improved flexibility, are clearly evident. Others, including mental clarity and stress reduction, may be more subtle but are just as powerful. When put together, all the benefits below contribute to an increased feeling of well-being, which helps explain why so many people find yoga so addictive.

Physiological Benefits of Yoga

   Stable autonomic nervous system equilibrium
    Pulse rate decreases
    Respiratory rate decreases
    Blood Pressure decreases (of special       significance for hyporeactors)
    Galvanic Skin Response (GSR) increases
    EEG - alpha waves increase (theta, delta, and beta waves also increase during various stages of meditation)
    EMG activity decreases
    Cardiovascular efficiency increases
    Respiratory efficiency increases
    Gastrointestinal function normalizes
    Endocrine function normalizes
    Excretory functions improve
    Musculoskeletal flexibility and joint range of motion increase
    Breath-holding time increases
    Joint range of motion increase
    Grip strength increases
    Eye-hand coordination improves
    Dexterity skills improve
    Reaction time improves
    Posture improves
    Strength and resiliency increase
    Endurance increases
    Energy level increases
    Weight normalizes
    Sleep improves
    Immunity increases
    Pain decreases
    Steadiness improves
    Depth perception improves
    Balance improves
    Integrated functioning of body parts improves

Psychological Benefits of Yoga

    Somatic and kinesthetic awareness increase
    Mood improves and subjective well-being increases
    Self-acceptance and self-actualization increase
    Social adjustment increases
    Anxiety and Depression decrease
    Hostility decreases
    Concentration improves
    Memory improves
    Attention improves
    Learning efficiency improves
    Mood improves
    Self-actualization increase
    Social skills increases
    Well-being increases
    Somatic and kinesthetic awareness increase

Biochemical Benefits of Yoga
    Glucose decreases
    Sodium decreases
    Total cholesterol decreases
    Triglycerides decrease
    HDL cholesterol increases
    LDL cholesterol decreases
    VLDL cholesterol decreases
    Cholinesterase increases
    Catecholamines decrease
    ATPase increases
    Hematocrit increases
    Hemoglobin increases
    Lymphocyte count increases
    Total white blood cell count decreases
    Thyroxin increases
    Vitamin C increases
    Total serum protein increases