Yoga is a physical, mental and spiritual practice which is originated in India. yoga is frequently practiced for relaxation, stress relief, flexibility and strength building. Yoga helps in stabilizing our mental and physical well-being using a series of postures(asanas), meditation and a breathing way.

Yoga has numerous health benefits such as losing weight, relief from stress, better sleep and many more. It also reduces the risk of certain health conditions such as high blood pressure, diabetes, migraine, heart diseases and much more.

Major Benefits of yoga :-

1. Improves flexibility

Flexibility is an major component of physical health. Yoga involves various poses and stretches which helps in reducing stiffness in the muscles and improves flexibility. There are many poses/asanas for flexibility but some of the most effective ones are Downward-facing dog pose (Adho Mukha Svanasana), Triangle pose (Trikonasana), Cobra pose (Bhujangasana), Forward fold (Uttanasana), Pigeon pose (Eka Pada Rajakapotasana) and Butterfly pose (Baddha Konasana).

2. Builds strength

The holding of your body weight is required by various yoga poses, which builds strength in the muscles. There are many poses/asanas for strength building but some of the most effective ones are Plank pose (Phalakasana), Warrior I (Virabhadrasana I), Warrior II (Virabhadrasana II), Chair pose (Utkatasana), Four-Limbed Staff pose (Chaturanga Dandasana) and Boat pose (Navasana).

3. Reduces stress

Yoga is very beneficial in reducing stress and anxiety by improving breathing. Regularly yoga practicing can help lower hormone associated with stress. There are many poses/asanas for reducing stress but some of the most effective ones are Child’s pose (Balasana), Corpse pose (Savasana), Cat-Cow pose (Marjaryasana-Bitilasana), Standing Forward Fold Pose (Uttanasana), Legs-Up-The-Wall pose (Viparita Karani) and Bridge Pose (Setu Bandha Sarvangasana).

4. Boosts immune system

Chronic stress effects your immune system negatively. so practicing yoga regularly has been directly linked to the immune system of your body which can helps in removing negative effects of chronic stress. There are many poses/asanas for boosting the immune system but some of the most effective ones are Downward-facing dog pose (Adho Mukha Svanasana), Cobra pose (Bhujangasana), Shoulder stand pose (Sarvangasana), Fish pose (Matsyasana), Seated spinal twist pose (Ardha Matsyendrasana) and Tree pose (Vrikshasana).

5. Promotes better sleep

Improper sleep is very dangerous for a person and may cause many health problems. Practicing yoga regularly helps in promoting better sleep by reducing stress and promoting relaxation. There are many poses/asanas for the better sleep but some of the most effective ones are Child’s pose (Balasana), Legs-Up-The-Wall Pose (Viparita Karani), Seated Forward Bend pose (Paschimottanasana), Reclining Bound Angle pose (Supta Baddha Konasana), Standing Forward Bend pose (Uttanasana) and corpse pose (Savasana).

6. Reduces Inflammation

Inflammation in the body has been linked to a variety of chronic health conditions. To lower these conditions daily practicing yoga is required. There are many poses/asanas for inflammation but some of the most effective ones are Cat-Cow pose (Marjaryasana-Bitilasana), Downward-facing dog (Adho Mukha Svanasana), Bridge pose (Setu Bandha Sarvangasana), Child’s pose (Balasana), Cobra pose (Bhujangasana) and Warrior II pose (Virabhadrasana II).

7. Enhances mental well being

Yoga reduces depression & improves mood and this reduction results in improval of mental health. Yoga helps you to focus properly and concentration without any symptoms. There are many poses/asanas for enhancing mental well being but some of the most effective ones are Corpse pose (Savasana), Child’s pose (Balasana), Tree pose (Vrikshasana), Warrior II pose (Virabhadrasana II), Standing Forward Bend (Uttanasana) and Downward-facing dog (Adho Mukha Svanasana).

8. Improves heart health

Regularly practicing yoga improves circulation in your body, lowers blood pressure and reduces the risk of heart diseases which may improve your heart health. There are many poses/asanas which can helps in improving heart health but some of the most effective ones are Mountain pose (Tadasana), Triangle pose (Trikonasana), Downward-facing dog (Adho Mukha Svanasana), Bridge pose (Setu Bandha Sarvangasana), Cobra pose (Bhujangasana) and Fish pose (Matsyasana).

9. Improves bone health

Daily yoga builds a bone density which reduces risk of developing a dangerous condition “Osteoporosis” (weakens bones and increases the risk of fractures). There are many poses/asanas which can helps in improving bone health but some of the most effective ones are Warrior II pose (Virabhadrasana II), Tree pose (Vrikshasana), Bridge pose (Setu Bandha Sarvangasana), Triangle pose (Trikonasana), Downward-facing dog (Adho Mukha Svanasana) and Chair pose (Utkatasana).

10. Improves brain functioning

Yoga is a mind body exercise, so it has a positive effect on your brain. Yoga improves the functioning of your brain by improving memory & focus and by promoting relaxation to your mind. There are many poses/asanas which can helps in improving the brain functioning but some of the most effective ones are Tree pose (Vrikshasana), Headstand pose (Sirsasana), Eagle pose (Garudasana), Child’s pose (Balasana), Downward-facing dog pose (Adho Mukha Svanasana) and Lotus pose (Padmasana).

11. Supports weight loss

Yoga promotes physical activity and mindfulness. Both can support healthy weight management so yoga is a helpful method for weight loss. There are many poses/asanas for weight loss but some of the most effective ones are Sun salutations (Surya Namaskar), Bridge pose (Setu Bandha Sarvangasana), Warrior II pose (Virabhadrasana II), Boat pose (Navasana), Downward-facing dog pose (Adho Mukha Svanasana) and Twisted triangle pose (Parivrtta Trikonasana).

12. Improves digestion and reduces gastrointestinal symptoms

Yoga promotes relaxation and reduces stress, which can have a positive impact on digestive function. This improves the digestion in the body and also reduces the symptoms of gastrointestinal. There are many poses/asanas which helps you in improving digestion and reducing gastrointestinal symptoms are Seated forward bend pose (Paschimottanasana), Cobra pose (Bhujangasana), Twisted triangle pose (Parivrtta Trikonasana), Downward-facing dog pose (Adho Mukha svanasana), Child’s pose (Balasana), Wind relieving pose (Pavanamuktasana) and Cat-cow stretch (Marjaryasana/Bitilasana).