 Health Benefits of Yoga The yoga practice acts as a therapeutic tool to heal the body and the mind. When you practice regularly, the health benefits become apparent. The yoga poses (asanas), breathing (pranayama), and meditation come together to provide a large number of physiological and psychological changes: Physiological Benefits of Yoga * increases muscle flexibility and joint range of motion * increases muscular strength, endurance, and joint stability * improves posture, steadiness, coordination, and balance * decreases joint and back pain * increases immunity * improves sleep and increases energy levels * decreases heart rate and increase cardiovascular efficiency * decreases respiratory rate and improves respiratory efficiency * reduces high blood pressure * improves digestion and normalizes gastrointestinal function * improves excretory functions and reduces constipation and Irritable Bowel Syndrome * improves flow of lymphatic system, thus helps in removal of toxins * normalizes endocrine (hormone) function * normalizes weight and body composition * increases bone density and decreases onset of osteoporosis * decreases blood sugar levels * decreases sodium * decreases total cholesterol * increases HDL (good) cholesterol /decreases LDL and VLDL (bad) cholesterol * decreases triglycerides * increases grip strength * EEG - alpha brain waves increase leading to a restful mental state * brings autonomic nervous system to stable equilibrium * improves dexterity, reaction time, and depth perception * increases Galvanic Skin Response (GSR) Psychological Benefits of Yoga * improves concentration and attention * decreases anxiety, internal stress and depression * improves mood and sense of well-being * increases self-acceptance and self-actualization * improves learning efficiency and memory * increases somatic and kinesthetic awareness (body/mind connection) * decreases aggression and hostility * increases social skills * improves depth perception YREC Yoga Research Education Center, Trisha Feuerstein | 
