Some stretch and strengthen muscles, others improve posture and the skeletal system, while others aim to compress and relax the organs and nerves. While some postures can be awkward at first, with practice they are more easily achieved. Overall, the main purpose of the postures is to develop the body into a worthy host for the soul. Meditation Meditation focuses the mind, and relaxes the body, reinforcing the disciplines of hatha yoga, and leading to a quiet, calm frame of mind. Despite the use of physical exercises, yoga is most closely linked to mind-body therapies.
Yoga offers a significant number of proven health benefits.
It increases the efficiency of the heart, and slows the respiratory rate, improves fitness, lowers blood pressure, promotes relaxation, reduces stress, and allays anxiety. Yoga also improves coordination, posture, flexibility, range of motion, concentration, sleep, and digestion. It can be used as a supplementary therapy for conditions as diverse as cancer, diabetes, arthritis, asthma, migraines, and helps to combat addictions such as smoking. Information provided on this site is for educational use only, and is not intended as medical advice. If you have any serious health concerns, you should always check with your health care practitioner before self-administering remedies.