Yoga and Wellbeing

During the 1st and 5th century CE, the “Yoga Sutra” was written by a Hindu sage who recorded all the mental and physical meditation techniques and exercises practiced throughout the Indian subcontinent. It consisted of 196 manuals which described Yoga as a state of complete detachment from the physical realm and consciousness and a way of freeing yourself from the temporary, earthly burdens and problems, a way of restraining the mind from the physical surroundings and reaching a state of pure, complete spiritual consciousness. The three core elements described were physical postures, breathing exercises, and spiritual contemplation and meditation. These elements are the same as those used in modern yoga as well. This unique combination of both physical and mental exercises simultaneously is believed and scientifically proven to an extent to have a number of advantages on mental and physical well being of those who practice it.

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The physical exercises and postures usually include a lot of stretching and strength, which include the flexibility of the muscles, and improve heart and respiratory health. Alongside, improving psychological wellbeing as well, mostly due to the release of certain beneficial chemicals from the brain. However, it is still difficult to categorize all the unique benefits of yoga due to the unique blend of different types of activity . Research has established a general pattern and benefits of yoga.

Engaging in regular stretching due to yoga leads to the formation of stem cells, which leads to the formation of new muscle tissues and elastic collagen, improving your strength, pain tolerance, and flexibility. Yoga is also used as part of treatment for patients with musculoskeletal disorders as it improves mobility. The breathing exercises of yoga improves lung health and helps battle diseases like asthma, bronchitis, and emphysema, and increase the blood’s oxygen content, and has multiple psychological benefits as it encourages people to detach themselves from their worldly problems.