The word yoga has been derived from Sanskrit which basically means union between the mind, body and spirit.
Yoga refers to meditative practices in Hinduism, Buddhism and Jainism and is known to make the body able to function well.
One of the major benefits of yoga is that it is known to be a stress reliever.
By practicing yoga, the level of stress hormones, blood pressure and heart rate are decreased to a great extent and maintained.
It also provides relief from conditions such as those of depression, insomnia, asthma and fatigue.
The cells in the body get nourished as blood circulation in the body is increased by yoga.
For people who are suffering from auto-immune diseases such as cancer, yoga is highly beneficial as it helps to reduce the pain that is experienced to a great extent.
It lowers the pain, and also reduces stress or depression that a person may experience, suffering from an illness such as cancer.
While practicing yoga, one may also do some breathing exercises which would help in supporting the proper functioning of the lungs and raising the oxygen levels.
People suffering from asthma can also do this.
For weight watchers who constantly worry about the extra pounds, yoga helps in controlling weight by reducing cortisol levels which in turn help to reduce excess calories and stress.
Another amazing benefit of practicing yoga includes the inner peace and joy that results.
Yoga helps in increasing awareness and appreciation about the present moment, and helps the person to reach peace from within.
People who have just begin with yoga; the improvement in their flexibility would be quite noticeable.
Yoga postures help a lot in improving one's flexibility and plasticity, as an individual becomes better at trying new positions and flexing muscles which seemed difficult earlier.