Yoga reduces the physical effects of stress on the body by encouraging relaxation and lowering the levels of the stress hormone cortisol. Related benefits include lowering blood pressure and heart rate, improving digestion and boosting the immune system as well as easing symptoms of conditions such as anxiety, depression, fatigue, asthma, and insomnia.

Yoga can ease pain. Studies have shown that practicing yoga asanas (postures), meditation, or a combination of the two reduced pain for people with conditions such as cancer, multiple sclerosis, auto-immune diseases, and hypertension as well as arthritis, back and neck pain, and other chronic conditions.

Yoga teaches people to take slower, deeper breaths. This helps to improve lung function and trigger the body’s relaxation response.

Yoga helps to improve flexibility and mobility, increasing range of movement and reducing aches and pains.

 

 

Yoga asanas (postures) use every muscle in the body, helping to increase strength literally from head to toe. Yoga also helps to relieve muscular tension.