Yoga is more than just achieving flexible limbs; the ancient practice can boost memory, heart, and bone health. In the UK, people are spending around £790 million annually on yoga classes and equipment.
While yoga trends have become quite varied – from rage yoga to yoga with dogs – scientific research is validating its many benefits. For instance, a UCLA study found that a three-month yoga and meditation course was more effective than memory exercises in reducing age-related brain impairment. Another study indicated that yoga could improve sleep in breast cancer survivors.
Lucy Edge, a former advertising executive, turned to yoga during a bout of depression instead of using prescribed anti-depressants. After a six-month trip to India to learn yoga, she returned feeling happier and more contented. She has since written several books on yoga and founded Yoga Meds, a resource listing over 300 clinical trials showing yoga’s benefits for various conditions like arthritis, insomnia, and obesity.
Considering yoga for memory improvement? Research comparing 12 weeks of yoga and meditation with memory exercises found that yoga participants showed better spatial and visual memory, reduced depression and anxiety, and increased resilience to stress.
Starting yoga doesn’t mean you have to master headstands. The study participants benefitted from one hour of Kundalini yoga, a gentle practice involving breathing, meditation, and mantra chanting, along with 20 minutes daily of Kirtan Kriya meditation.
Yoga can also benefit heart health. A review published in the European Journal of Preventive Cardiology indicated that yoga could lower heart disease risk as much as conventional exercises like brisk walking. Stress, a major contributor to heart disease, can be reduced through yoga, helping lower blood pressure, cholesterol, and weight.
Yoga is also beneficial for back pain. NHS guidelines recommend yoga as a useful exercise for lower back pain. Sarah Shone, a physiotherapist and yoga teacher, developed yoga classes that were incorporated into a rehabilitation program, with 87% of participants reporting reduced pain.
Additionally, yoga helps maintain incontinence at bay by strengthening pelvic floor muscles and increasing bone density through weight-bearing exercises. It’s adaptable for various fitness levels and health conditions.
If you’re new to yoga, inform your teacher about any health issues and start with gentle styles like Hatha or Iyengar. For specific conditions like back pain, consult your doctor about possible subsidized yoga courses.
When choosing a yoga mat, consider factors like location, portability, and your height. A thicker mat can protect your joints during practice. Healthista recommends the Elephant Cork Yoga Mat from Valka Yoga. This eco-friendly mat provides excellent grip, comfort, and antimicrobial properties.
For added support, the Valka cork yoga block can assist with difficult poses by offering stability and extra length. Cork blocks provide better grip and stability compared to foam blocks.
Whether you’re flexible or not, yoga can help. Try different styles such as:
– Yin or Restorative yoga for deep relaxation.
– Vinyasa Flow for an energetic, dance-like sequence.
– Iyengar yoga to focus on alignment and detail.
– Anusara yoga for flowing movements often set to music.
– Yoga Therapy for injury or illness healing.
Choose the style that best suits you and enjoy the benefits that yoga brings to your physical and mental well-being.
