by Susan Z. Miller

Created on: November 05, 2009   Last Updated: December 23, 2009

Yoga has proven its true value over more than 5,000 years. Currently, close to 11 million Americans are enjoying the numerous benefits of regularly practicing yoga. Depending on the type of yoga, the focus may be relaxation, detoxification, restoration, or strength building. But regardless of the specific method of yoga that one chooses, the benefits of practicing are remarkably positive and far reaching. Here are the top ten benefits of doing yoga.

(1) Improve Cardiovascular and Circulatory Health:

According to Meredith Walker in the Nursing School Catalog, yoga is excellent for improving your cardiovascular endurance. This translates into an increase in energy, and a dramatic reduction in your risk for coronary artery disease.

(2) Increase Metabolism:

All forms of yoga help to increase metabolism because of the deep breathing technique, called pranayama, that yoga utilizes. Yoga To Health explains that deep breathing increases the oxygen intake to all of the cells in the body; this in turn increases oxidation and burning of fat cells. Some yoga poses, such as the fish pose, also help to stimulate a sluggish thyroid glad.

(3) Help Gastrointestinal and Organ Function:

Yoga poses such as the spinal twist literally massage the internal organs, helping to stimulate their function and to mobilize fats. Yoga also aids in the process of mindful eating. When we are stressed, we tend to rush through our meals, or eat just to find comfort. Yoga greatly reduces the likelihood of emotional eating by reducing feelings of anxiety.

(4) Better Immunity:

Better organ function and circulation, along with a boosted endocrine system all lead to a stronger immune system. Yoga poses that are particularly great for supporting your immune system include bow pose and shoulder stand.

(5) Delay Aging:

The website Yoga.org explains the connection between yoga and aging in one simple phrase: use it or lose it! We have to keep both our bodies and minds active and supple to delay the aging process. Yoga emphasizes prevention as the very best medicine. It slows the aging process particularly by maintaining a healthy spine, and lowering the amount of stress hormones that age us.

(6) Get More Restful Sleep:

Yoga creates clarity of mind, which is essential for a good night's sleep. Try paschimottanasana, or seated forward bend, to promote relaxation. It stretches the hamstrings, spine, and shoulders, while quieting your thoughts.

(7) Increase Calmness:

Professional yoga instructor Loretta Zedella

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