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  • 3 surprising ways yoga can boost your health, backed by science

    Staff Writer - 5 min read

    29 September 2020


    Looking to improve your physical and mental health? Add a yoga class to your fitness routine and feel the mind/body benefits.

    3 surprising ways yoga can boost your health, backed by science

    The ancient practise of yoga has become incredibly popular in today’s busy society, with over two million Aussies practising regularly. Devotees of downward dog and flying pigeon have long sworn by a regular commitment to spend time on the mat, finding emotional and physical benefits. But for outsiders, it can be easy to dismiss this series of poses as little more than structured meditation.

    For most people, the initial hook is that yoga can be a great mood booster. But once you commit to it, the benefits can roll into other parts of life.

    Only recently have there been moves to substantiate the claims of the dedicated through research. And so far, the results are providing significant evidence of the broad-ranging benefits of yoga, both as a treatment and preventative form of health care.

    Whether you’re a regular yogi, slightly cynical or just keen to try something new, we look at three recent studies of yoga and how those findings can boost your health.

    IT CAN CHANGE YOUR GENETIC MAKE UP

    A comprehensive study, published in Frontiers of Immunology, found that far more disease-fighting genes were active in the bodies of long-term practitioners of yoga and meditation. In particular, they found genes that protect from disorders such as pain, high blood pressure, rheumatoid arthritis and infertility were all “switched on” in people that practise yoga regularly. These changes, according to the researchers, were induced by what they dubbed “the relaxation effect” bought on by a regular yoga and meditation practice.

    It can calm the nervous system

    We know the effects of stress on the body can be far reaching. But research shows that the active emphasis on the breath shown in yoga can help change your mood and autonomic function.

    With each breath, millions of sensory receptors in the respiratory system send signals via your nerves to the brainstem. If you’re stressed out and breathing fast, your brain is pinged at a higher rate triggering it to activate via the sympathetic nervous system - dialling up stress hormones like cortisol, as well as your heart rate, blood pressure and anxiety.

    When you slow your breath through a practise like yoga, you induce the parasympathetic nervous system, dialling down all of those stress responses and instead turning up relaxation, calm and mental clarity.

    It can increase strength

    More strenuous types of yoga, like Ashtanga and Vinyasa, can boost your cardiovascular system and build strength and flexibility. A number of yoga poses in these practices require you to lift your own body weight – like crow pose – or hold poses that’ll really work your core. Think chair pose, boat, and side planks. Ouch.

    Here’s a quick cheat sheet to find the right yoga practice for you:

    Vinyasa
    If you’re looking to improve your fitness, Vinyasa is a great source of cardio due to its rapid movements, change in stance and style of poses.

    Iyengar
    This a great place to start if you’re a beginner. Iyengar focuses on precision and alignment of the body with the use of planned sequencing, timing and props.

    Kundalini
    This one has perhaps the biggest focus on meditation, with emphasis on chanting mantras and practicing both physical and spiritual sequences in equal measure. If you’re looking for a style to bust some stress, this one’s for you.

    Hot yoga
    Pretty much what it says on the box! You’ll work through a series of poses in a very hot room. Prepare to sweat – a lot – and feel amazing afterwards.

    Yin
    Yin yoga is a meditative practise that focuses on lengthening the connective tissues (like fascia and cartilage) through poses held for longer periods. It’s the perfect complement to a high intensity-training scheme.

    Staff writer icon

    Staff writers come from a range of backgrounds including health, wellbeing, music, tech, culture and the arts. They spend their time researching the latest data and trends in the health market to deliver up-to-date information, helping everyday Australians live healthier lives. This is general information only and is not intended as medical, health, nutritional or other advice. You should obtain professional advice from a medical or health practitioner in relation to your own personal circumstances. The information in this article is general information only and is not intended as medical, health, nutritional or other advice. You should obtain professional advice from a medical or health practitioner in relation to your own personal circumstances.

    Disclaimer:
    This is general information only and is not intended as financial, medical, health, nutritional or other advice. You should obtain professional advice from a financial adviser, or medical or health practitioner in relation to your own personal circumstances.

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