Why Yoga?

“The body soon decays like unbaked earthen pots thrown in water.  Strengthen and purify the body by baking it in the fire of  yoga.”

Gheranda Samhita, 17th century

“Yoga minimizes the impact of stress on the individual…asanas [yoga poses] and pranayama [breathing exercises] strengthen the nervous system and help people face stressful situations positively.”

B.K.S. Iyengar, 2006

“We are missing the gold if we do asana [yoga poses] as a physical practice only.”

Geeta Iyengar, 2013.

“Yoga’s there all along to meet you where and when you need it.  My teacher said early on, yoga is a [life-saving] rope. It’s something to hang onto when you need something to steady yourself, when you need a little extra support.”

Kate Holcombe, 2013

June 26, 2016 - Copy, safe for web

Benefits of Yoga:

Regular practice of yoga helps strengthen and stabilize you mentally as well as physically. Clinical studies and other documentation have suggested that yoga:

Other potential benefits of yoga that are being researched include cessation of smokingmanaging diabetes, reducing symptoms of asthma, and improving urinary incontinence.  Teachers and practitioners herald yoga’s benefits for a wide variety of activities, from improving your golf game, or boosting your memory, to easing recovery from addiction.

But, most importantly, most practitioners keep returning to yoga because of the sense of peace and empowerment it instills.  Regular practice of yoga often helps you make healthier, smarter, and more loving choices in your everyday life.  You begin to become more aware of your thoughts, emotions, and physical well-being, and learn how to integrate your mind and body in ways that support not only your physical and mental health, but your relationships as well. Simply put, yoga helps you discover, appreciate, and share the best of you.

Be sure to click on many of the above links to read the clinical studies and news reports explaining each in more detail. “Follow” our website to be alerted to future posts on yoga topics, or come to an AHA! Yoga session to begin exploring the benefits for yourself.

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BodyOnYoga

Image Source: by Jan Diehm for The Huffington Posthttp://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/10/28/body-on-yoga_n_4109595.html

Medical & Related Institutions that Support Yoga for your Health:

American Heart Association

American Osteopathic Association

American Psychological Association

Arthritis Foundation

Harvard Health Publications

Walter Reed National Military Medical Center

WeightWatchers

Disclaimer:  Always consult your healthcare provider before practicing yoga, or any other exercise program.  The information provided on this website is intended for educational purposes only, and not as a substitute for medical advice or treatment.  The author, illustrator, editor, and publisher assume no responsibility for injuries or harm that may result from practicing yoga or any other exercise program.

harvard

Image Source: http://www.health.harvard.edu/staying-healthy/yoga-benefits-beyond-the-mat

Some of Our Favorite Links, showing Yoga is for Every BODY:

On Doing Yoga Over the Age 50

Dianne Bondy Yoga: Yoga for All

Yoga and Veterans

Yoga, Mindfulness, and Keeping Kids In School & Successful

Decrease Anger, Depression, and Fatigue for Adolescents

Body Positive Yoga

On Yoga and Diversity

Curvy Yoga: For YOUR Body