4 Ways Yoga Can Heal You

Yoga is an estimated 10,000-year-old method which can heal the body in a variety of ways from physical to mental. It is practiced by millions of people every day. A form of yoga can be found widely practiced in almost every country in the world, and there are dozens of different types to choose from.

Yoga originated in India and made its way to the United States about 40 years ago. Since then it has become an estimated $27 billion industry. Yoga doesn’t have to cost money, however. There are many resources online which teach you how to practice from the comfort of your very own home. However, some people prefer group classes as it creates a shared experience which some can find spiritually uplifting.

Take a look at some of these things that the incredible power of yoga can heal, and consider whether you might want to give it a try.

Addiction

According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, more than 22 million Americans suffer from addiction. Sat Bir Khalsa, a Harvard Medical School assistant professor explains, “Yoga is an alternative, a positive way to generate a change in consciousness that, instead of providing an escape, empowers people with the ability to access a peaceful, restorative inner state that integrates mind, body, and spirit.”

At Apex Recovery, a rehabilitation clinic located in California, clinic patients experience recovery through this holistic and ancient method. Yoga is an integral part of the recovery program and has proven to have a significant effect on the psychological well-being of the recovering addicts.

Back Pain

Yoga stretches the core muscles of the spine, leaving people who practice with a rejuvenated posture and well-being. Yoga’s special breathing techniques coupled with the deep stretches warm the body from the outside in and can add years to a person’s life. These gentle movements and poses help release tension, improve flexibility, and strengthen the muscles supporting the spine. However, if you still experience back soreness or discomfort despite practising yoga, it may be beneficial to seek additional support from a chiropractor. Chiropractors (such as the ones at Square One Heatlh chiropractic services in Windsor) specialize in diagnosing and treating musculoskeletal issues, including spinal misalignments, which can contribute to back pain. So, if you find that yoga alone doesn’t provide the desired relief, consulting a chiropractor could be a valuable next step in addressing your back concerns.

Anxiety

Yoga and meditation are generally linked as two related practices. Those who practice yoga report feelings of tranquility, a feeling of presence, and decrease in worry or tension.

Yoga is often suggested as an alternative to antidepressants or anxiety medication such as Xanax because of it’s comparable yet completely natural effects.

Obesity

Depending on the style of yoga, one can burn upwards of 1000 calories in a single session. When practiced regularly, your body becomes limber, firm, and very commonly people experience weight loss.

Yoga is a great way for elderly obese patients to lose weight as it is low impact and non-strenuous. In extreme obesity cases, yoga is an ideal form of exercise since some patients are so large they cannot even leave their house, and yoga can be practiced anywhere.