People may have different reasons to hit the yoga mat. For some, it is the ultimate workout to enhance their strength and flexibility and for others, it’s be a relaxation technique that connects with their inner self.
Yoga is an ancient holistic practice that focuses on bringing harmony between mind and body. Studies have shown that practicing yoga helps to enhance overall well-being and quality of life by improving flexibility and sleep and by reducing stress, anxiety, depression and chronic pain.
On this National Yoga Awareness Month, experts share their thoughts on how it benefits the body, especially in boosting memory and concentration.
Anjaly Warrier, a certified yoga instructor from Mumbai, India, observed that yoga’s role in boosting memory and concentration comes from the fact that it is a holistic approach that works on all dimensions – physical, mental, social, spiritual, emotional and intellectual levels.
“Yoga offers a range of benefits, including stress reduction, enhanced mental well-being, bolstered immune system, hormone balance, improved sleep and better cardiovascular health. These fundamental elements contribute to overall health. Hence, integrating yoga with modern medical treatment can lead to significantly improved patient outcomes,” Warrier told Medical Daily.
How does yoga benefit the brain?
Just like how daily workouts help to enhance muscles, experts consider yoga as an exercise for the brain that helps brain cells develop new connections and changes their structure and function to improve cognitive skills.
In a recent study, researchers found that a gentle yoga posture, known as “Kundalini yoga,” can be used as a preventive measure against Alzheimer’s – the brain disorder that destroys memory and thinking.
Improves focus
The postures in yoga enhance the mind-body connection and improve focus.
“Yoga brings in mind-body connection as it encourages practices that connect the body’s movements with the breath. While practicing yoga, one is…
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