Health benefits of yoga

What are the health benefits of yoga? Answer Dear Reader, The word yoga means "to bring together or merge" ? as in joining the mind and body into a single harmonious unit. The general purpose is to create physical and spiritual strength and awareness. However, more than one hundred different types, or schools, of yoga exist and each form provides its own unique cocktail of health benefits. Most yoga sessions are typically comprised of breathing exercises, meditation, and assuming postures (sometimes called poses) that stretch and flex various muscle groups. According to the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine of the National Institutes of Health [2], [3] relaxation techniques, such as those practiced in yoga, can: Lessen chronic pain, such as lower back pain, arthritis, headaches, and carpal tunnel syndrome Lower blood pressure and heart and breathing rates Reduce insomnia Students of yoga also generally report: Higher levels of energy and muscle endurance Decreased levels of stress and anxiety Increased feelings of general well-being Increased flexibility, balance, and mental focus To get the most out of yoga, those with physical limitations (i.e., chronic conditions, pregnancy) may want to consult a health care provider and/or yoga instructor for suggestions on the best yoga styles to pursue. In all, to find the right type of yoga for you, ask yourself a few questions: 1. Is physical fitness your goal? If you're looking to tone up or shed a few pounds, Power, Ashtanga, or Bikram ("hot yoga") may be a good fit for you. Though not likely to give you much of an aerobic workout or to greatly increase your muscle strength, these forms will