Beginner Yoga

Yoga, an ancient practice originating in India thousands of years ago, has grown into a popular form of exercise in the U.S. Today, it is recognized as a mind-body approach within complementary and integrative medicine. Yoga combines physical and mental practices to promote peace, strength, flexibility, balance, and coordination.

1. Stress Reduction: Yoga’s gentle movements and focus on balance and concentration calm the mind and promote relaxation.
2. Improved Fitness: Regular practice enhances flexibility, strength, balance, and range of motion, reducing the risk of injury in other activities.
3. Chronic Health Management: Yoga may alleviate symptoms of conditions like cancer, depression, pain, anxiety, and insomnia. It can also improve sleep, mood, and energy while lowering heart rate and blood pressure.
4. Weight Loss: By encouraging healthy lifestyle changes, yoga supports weight management, tones muscles, and promotes mindful eating.

The National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine (NCCAM) is studying yoga’s effects on various conditions, including:

• High blood pressure
• Chronic low back pain
• Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
• Depression and anxiety
• Diabetes
• HIV and immune function
• Inflammatory arthritis
• Insomnia
• Knee osteoarthritis
• Multiple sclerosis
• Smoking cessation

- UH Connor Whole Health

Host or Publisher UH Community Wellness Center