The Benefits of Yoga

Physiological benefits of yoga:

• Pulse rate decreases
• Respiratory rate decreases
• Blood pressure decreases
• Cardiovascular efficiency increases
• Respiratory efficiency increases
• Gastrointestinal function normalizes
• Endocrine function normalizes
• Excretory functions improve
• Musculoskeletal flexibility increases
• Joint range of motion increases
• Grip strength increases
• Eye-hand coordination improves
• Dexterity skills improve
• Reaction time improves
• Posture improves
• Strength and resiliency increase
• Endurance increases
• Energy levels increase
• Weight normalizes
• Sleep improves
• Immunity increases
• Pain decreases
• Steadiness improves
• Depth perception improves
• Balance improves

Psychological benefits of yoga:

• Mood improves and subjective well-being increases
• Self acceptance and self actualization increase
• Social adjustment increases
• Anxiety and depression decrease
• Hostility decreases
• Concentration improves
• Memory improves
• Attention improves
• Learning efficiency improves
• Social skills increase
• Well-being increases
• Depth perception improves

Biochemical benefits of yoga:

• Glucose decreases
• Sodium decreases
• Total cholesterol decreases
• Triglycerides decrease
• HDL cholesterol increases
• LDL cholesterol decreases
• VLDL cholesterol decreases
• Hematocrit increases
• Hemoglobin increases
• Lymphocyte count increases
• Total white blood cell count decreases
• Thyroxin increases
• Vitamin C increases
• Total serum protein increases

By: Wenona Napolitano