The Therapeutic Benefits of Yoga

Presented by SCG HealthJuanita Street, RYT

www.StreetCoachingGroup.com

Yoga is widely knownto offer the

following benefitsto students and

practitioners

Yoga asana (poses) can build muscle strength in the major musclegroups of the body (legs, gluts, core, back, arms, and shoulders).And Vinyasa or yoga flows as well as power yoga are great cardio

workouts.

FITNESS

WEIGHT LOSS

Yoga strengthens muscles using one’s one body weight and it’s a low impact cardio workout burning fat while putting less pressure on joints.

Therefore having a moderate to intense yoga practice can lead to weight loss.

RELAXATION ANDREJUVENATION

Yoga (which includes asana, breathing techniques & meditation can promoterelaxation by activating the parasympathetic phase of the nervous system. Therefore

yoga is great for stress management and stress relief.

Yoga is great forFitness and Overall

WellnessBut what about

Health?

CHRONIC PAINS

Chronic Pains can be caused by a sedentarylifestyle, fitness injuries, vehicle accidents,multiple sclerosis, surgery and age. Yoga releases tension from the musclesand increases mobility in the joints by stretching and lengthening the tight muscles,thereby decreasing chronic pains in theneck, shoulders, back, hips and knees.

CIRCULATION

Yoga supports production of blood (which occurs in the bone marrow of our thighs) and improves circulation throughout the body when the muscles and blood vessels

are stretched, which also helps to keep the blood vessels elastic.

RESPIRATORY STRENGTH

Yogic breathing practices are called pranayama. Pranayama has the ability toincrease the amount of alveolar sacs present deep in the lungs (at the end ofthe bronchial airways). With the increase in the number of alveolar sacs, oxygen intake (lung capacity) increases, strengthening the respiratory system.

DIGESTIVE SYSTEM

Yoga can help relax and stretch the muscles surrounding the esophagus, stomach,and intestines. When the muscles are tight around these areas, digestion anddefecation are both difficult which can result in indigestion and constipation. Yogacan relax and stretch the muscles improving digestion and defecation.

SLEEP

Tense muscles and joints as well as stress can interrupt sleep or make falling asleep difficult. Yoga promotes relaxation and releases tension from the muscles and joints, decreasing stiffness and pain. All of these benefits promote a more restful sleep.

EMOTIONAL and MENTAL HEALTHMore and more counselors and psychologistsare implementing yoga (asana, meditation,and pranayama) to help patients manage chronic stress, depression and anxiety. There are several yoga centers as well as hospitals that provide yoga and meditation classes for veterans with PTSD as well as survivors of sexual trauma.

DISEASE MANAGEMENT

Yoga is incredibly beneficial for those recoveringfrom cancer treatment, and for thosewho have multiple sclerosis, diabetes, hypertension, andheart disease.

Yoga is a low impact health and fitness practice that includes physical strengthening, endurance, flexibility and low impact cardio. Yoga also includesproper breathing techniques that stimulatea parasympathetic (or relaxation) response in ourcentral nervous system. It also includes meditationwhich disciplines the mind to remain focused andmeditation also promotes relaxation. All in all,yoga has tremendous physical health, mental health and emotional health benefits. ThereforeYoga is a great way to manage diseases, practiceprevention and use as a therapeutic practice in thehome as well as in medical clinics and hospitals.

THANK YOU

Check out SCG Health’s website for a list ofonline yoga and health courses

and our Promo page for current promotions:www.StreetCoachingGroup.com