For centuries, millions of people have used Yoga to improve their mental and physical well-being. Even doing some basic exercises every day can have dramatic results and lead to a more positive, enjoyable, healthy life. The more you participate in this activity, the less likely you are to suffer from a wide range of health problems. The following are five surprising health benefits of Yoga.

1. Reduces Stress and Gives You Peace of Mind

Unlike many other physical activities, Yoga also improves your mental health. This is particularly important in today’s world where individuals have to cope with various pressures and stresses. Family life, work commitments, financial issues and other concerns take their toll. This build-up of pressure leads to anxiety, insomnia, stress and even severe cases of depression. Yoga acts as a release valve from these problems. It gives you the tools to take control and regain your peace of mind.

2. Reduces Back Pain and Joint Pain

The way we work and play has changed in the last few decades. We sit down for longer than previous generations. Watching TV, using computers and changes to the way we work have all contributed to health problems such as back pain and joint pain. However, Yoga is the perfect solution for these problems and also helps avoid these issues in the first place. The more times you participate in Yoga, the stronger and more flexible your body becomes. It’s a good idea to link up Yoga with treatments like acupuncture which you can find at Rosewellness.com.

3. Increases Flexibility

Flexibility is one of the most important, yet overlooked aspects of physical training and exercise. With Yoga however, improving your body’s flexibility is at the core of this activity. Increased flexibility lowers the risk of hamstring problems, back problems, lack of balance and other avoidable health issues. The increased Range of Motion in your joints ensures that you can run faster and are less likely to get injuries such as torn hamstrings and pulled calf muscles.

4. Strengthens your Vital Organs

As mentioned earlier, we live less active lives than previous generations. This means many of our internal organs are not used or exercised as much as they should be. Yoga helps increase blood flow in the body and reduces blood pressure which is good for your heart. The aerobic aspect of Yoga ensures that your lungs benefit too, because they are being used more to inhale and exhale air at a faster rate than normal.

5. Reduces the Onset of Diabetes and Weight-Related Cancers

Yoga is not an instant cure for diabetes or cancer. However, taking part in this activity on a regular basis has the potential to reduce and prevent the onset of diabetes and weight-related cancers. You are more active when you take Yoga lessons. It also spurs people on to become even more active, which helps you maintain a healthy weight.

The health benefits of Yoga are enormous. If you decide to begin Yoga lessons, you will quickly notice changes to your mental and physical health which has the potential to change your life in a positive way forever.