40 Ways Yoga Heals

From Yoga as Medicine by Timothy McCall:

How Yoga Works

“Many of Yoga’s benefits can be explained in ways that conform with Western ways of knowing. Here are forty ways that yoga facilitates better health, both as prevention and as treatment, that are supported by evidence. While it would have been possible to choose others, the mechanisms of action selected provide a broad overview of how yogic tools including asana (poses), pranayama (breathing techniques), and meditation can improve health.”

40 Ways Yoga Heals

  1. Increases flexibility
  2. Strengthens muscles
  3. Improves balance
  4. Improves immune function
  5. Improves posture
  6. Improves lung function
  7. Leads to slower and deeper breathing
  8. Discourages mouth breathing
  9. Increase oxygenation of tissues
  10. Improves joint health
  11. Nourishes Inter-vertebral disc
  12. Improves return of venous blood
  13. Increases circulation of lymph
  14. Improves function of the feet
  15. Improves proprioceptive receptors
  16. Increases control of bodily functions
  17. Strengthens bones
  18. Conditions the cardiovascular system
  19. Promotes weight loss
  20. Relaxes the nervous system
  21. Improves the function of the nervocs system
  22. Improves brain funtion
  23. Activates the left pcre-frontal cortext
  24. Changes neurotransmitter levels
  25. Lowers levels of the stress hormonoe cortisol
  26. Lowers blood sugar
  27. Lowers blood pressure
  28. Improves levels of cholesterol and triglycerides
  29. Thins the blood
  30. Improves bowel functions
  31. Releases unconcsious muscular gripping
  32. Uses imagery to effect change in the body
  33. Relieves pain
  34. Lowers need for medication
  35. Fosters healing relationships
  36. Improves psychological health
  37. Leads to healthier habits
  38. Fosters spritual growth
  39. Elicits the placebo effect
  40. Encourages involvement in your own healing

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