5 benefits of yoga and meditation

At present, in relation to the level of stress of our societies, there are many people who resort to yoga to maintain an adequate physical tone and also the serenity that is attributed to the "yogis". According to a study by the Sundae Institute, 29% of Spaniards have ever practiced yoga throughout their lives.

The novelty is that every day there are more professionals, such as doctors, physiotherapists or psychologists, who recommend this practice, to which they attribute important health benefits. “From the field of medicine and psychology, the real benefits of yoga are beginning to be studied in order to understand the mechanisms through which this activity affects physical and mental well-being,” says Fernando Dorr ego, physiotherapist and personal trainer at Blue from Sanities.

5 benefits of yoga and meditation

On the other hand, yoga is universal since adapting the postures to the characteristics and level of each person can be practiced by anyone. It is important to highlight the importance of performing a medical examination or a physical assessment before beginning the practice in order to “determine what type of exercises and of what intensity are the most appropriate for our physical condition and, in this way, to be able to benefit the most from this integral discipline,”says Fernando Dorr ego.

"The most immediate positive aspect is that derived from practicing moderate physical activity, which helps tone muscles and activates the segregation of hormones such as endorphins, dopamine or serotonin, " says Fernando Dorr ego.

According to a recent study from the University of Ohio, practicing this discipline once or twice a week continuously reduces the blood concentration of interleukin-6, a molecule linked to the occurrence of heart attacks, type 2 diabetes and arthritis. Research shows that the body of "yogis" responds with less intensity than those who lead a sedentary life when they are subjected to a level of intense stress.

Also on the physical level, "the sequence of movements and postures that are performed with the body contribute to improve muscle elasticity and tone, strengthen and strengthen muscles and help develop balance and postural awareness of our body,” says Dorr ego .

The practice of yoga also helps maintain good eating habits. According to a study by the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, those who follow this discipline become "conscious eaters" and learn to distinguish when the urge to eat is a feeling of hunger or anxiety.

“It also helps us psychologically because it is a discipline that requires a lot of body control and, therefore, a lot of concentration on what is being done, ” says Maria Diaz, a psychologist at Blue de Sanities. "We disconnect from the thoughts, concerns and problems we have when concentrating on the postures we perform, since a high level of concentration and attention is required."

Meditation

Many of the people who practice yoga also opt for meditation. “It has positive effects on cognitive function. It can also be a lever to restructure negative thoughts and beliefs about oneself, the environment and the future. In addition, thanks to meditation, greater control over our bodies is achieved and we improve our attention and concentration,”says Diaz.

Self- esteem is also favored. “It is an acceptable challenge. The practice of yoga allows the achievement of personal goals depending on the level of each person. Achieving these goals increases personal satisfaction,”says Sanities psychologist. IBM Community

Yoga Centre in Coimbatore