Five Uncommon Benefits of Yoga
We already know that yoga helps fight stress and boosts flexibility, but have you heard about its many other benefits? Probably not. But these surprising benefits are as real as yoga itself.
If you’ve been planning on learning yoga but need more reasons to get started, the following should give you that final push:
Strengthens Immunity
A Norwegian study has shown that yoga changes gene expression in a way that enhances immunity at the cellular level. And it doesn’t take long before the changes happen. Researchers say this can even happen in the middle of your yoga session. Simply by making you generally healthier, yoga is already working on your immune system. As your breathing gets better, so do your movements and blood circulation, thus ensuring that all your cells are getting proper nutrition.
Relaxes Migraine
Studies show that practicing yoga for three consecutive months can minimize the intensity and frequency of migraine attacks. Migraine causes are still scientifically unclear, but experts have hinted that the condition could be caused by a combination of physical and mental issues affecting the sufferer.
Improves Sexual Performance
In a study, 12 weeks of yoga can improve libido, sexual performance and overall satisfaction for both men and women. How? In terms of the physical effect, yoga boosts blood circulation all around the body, including the genital area. We know that this is important to arousal and maintaining an erection. Additionally, increased blood flow also strengthens the pelvic floor muscles known as themoola bandha. Mentally, a person’s sexual performance is improved by yoga’s breathing and mind control exercises.
Helps with Sleep Patterns
Based on the results of a Harvard study, eight weeks of daily yoga improves sleep quality for people suffering from insomnia. It was also proven in related research that doing yoga twice a week helped cancer survivors feel less fatigued and sleep better. This can be linked to yoga’s ability to fight stress. Sleep issues and anxiety are very similar. Yoga’s mental and breathing exercises helps you train your mind to relax, and better sleep will follow.
Curbs Appetite
University of Washington researchers found that regular yoga can help promote mindful eating, physical and an overall awareness of emotional and physical sensations that come with eating. Finally, through breath awareness, yoga can strengthen the connection between the mind and the body. This awareness keeps you in touch with deep-seated feelings that are attached to certain cravings, thus making you slow down and make smarter choices every time those cravings strike.