10 Health Problems Eased by Yoga

Published on: 25 February 2021 Last Updated on: 14 October 2024
Yoga

Yoga originated over 4,000 years ago as a spiritual practice. Over time, however, health and wellness experts have found that there are many physical benefits as well. Now, yoga is as much of physical practice as it is a spiritual one.

While yoga is not a substitute for traditional healthcare, as a compliment, it can help ease symptoms associated with a variety of health problems. According to the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NCCIH), people are increasingly using yoga to relieve pain, anxiety, stress, and to improve their overall health.

So what are the health problems that yoga can help with? Put together by a Portland yoga studio, let’s take a look at 10 health conditions that researchers show yoga can ease.

10 Health Problems Eased by Yoga

1. Chronic Stress:

Chronic Stress

Practicing yoga may be helpful in relieving chronic stress. A regular yoga practice can reduce your stress response and provide options for self-soothing and better management of stress.

2. Anxiety:

Anxiety

A study in the Journal of Preventative Medicine shows that yoga can help reduce the symptoms of anxiety. When used alongside other treatment methods, it is helpful in reducing anxiety and helping patients manage their symptoms.

3. Heart Health:

Heart Health

Practicing yoga has been shown in studies to reduce the risk of heart disease. When practiced as part of an overall healthy lifestyle, yoga can be used to improve heart health and reduce the risk of dangerous diseases.

4. Brain Health:

Brain Health

Practicing yoga could be beneficial in improving brain health. Researchers report that people who practiced yoga for 14 years had thicker brain tissue in the areas responsible for memory and attention than their peers.

5. Chronic Back Pain:

Chronic Back Pain

People who suffer from chronic back pain may find some relief through a regular yoga practice. Research shows that yoga can reduce back pain and improve mental health in people with chronic pain. Researchers note that yoga and other stretching exercises are both beneficial in this way.

6. Improve Balance:

Improve Balance

Yoga is a great way to improve balance. This is important, especially for older adults. Some studies suggest that a regular yoga practice can reduce the risk of falls in older adults. This is a promising option for older adults to get low-impact and meaningful exercise.

7. Thyroid Function:

Thyroid Function

Research in Medical News Today suggests that stress can lead to improper thyroid function. Fortunately, practicing yoga can reduce stress, which in turn, helps improve thyroid function. Research is ongoing, but studies suggest yoga could potentially help ease medical conditions like hypo-and hyperthyroidism.

8. Diabetes:

Diabetes

Research in the Journal of Clinical and Diagnostic Research shows that a regular yoga practice can reduce blood glucose (blood sugar) levels. For people with Type 2 diabetes, not only could they lower their glucose levels naturally, but they also may be slowing down progression of the disease.

9. Atrial Fibrillation:

Atrial fibrillation is a heart condition where the upper chambers of the heart don’t contract as they should. This can cause symptoms like dizziness, palpitations, and shortness of breath. It also increases the risk of heart failure. Research shows, however, that practicing yoga at least twice weekly can improve symptoms. When added as part of a regular treatment plan, yoga can help improve heart function and manage stress.

10. Boost Immune System:

Boost Immune System

Health conditions related to chronic stress account for 60 to 80 percent of all visits to primary care doctors. Several studies now show that practicing yoga can reduce stress, and as a result, also reduce the symptoms caused by it. Chronic stress and illness weaken the immune system, but a regular yoga practice could be the key to naturally averting some of these illnesses.

As you can see, there are many benefits to practicing yoga. The next time you talk to your doctor, ask him or her about the possible benefits of adding yoga to your treatment plan.

Is Yoga Enough Exercise? 

Yoga can be enough of an exercise, especially if you're looking to improve flexibility, balance, and strength.  

In fact, if you do it right, it helps build core muscles and tones the body while promoting relaxation.  

But if you have intense cardio or muscle-building goals, it might not be enough. In that case, coupling yoga with other cardio or muscle building exercises is the best way to go. 

Is 10 Minutes of Yoga Good? 

First, you must understand that building a yoga routine takes time. Therefore, you should begin with a ten-minute routine. 

So, yes, even if you only have 10 minutes, yoga can help you feel better, more flexible, and less stressed. It’s perfect for a midday break or to start your day on the right foot. Regular work in small doses adds up to big improvement. 

Yoga After Delivery? 

Yes, you can.... but....not right away! 

On the safe side we recommend waiting at least a few weeks after delivery to start yoga but it depends on the recovery. Post delivery yoga should focus on breathing & stretching lightly. Do not try to move your body too much! Yes, you won't be too flexible at that time (even if you do yoga beforehand). It is normal! 

Note: Please consult your doctor if your body is ready for physical activity & then only get back to regular yoga. 

What Yoga is Appropriate When Pregnant? 

Prenatal yoga is a type of yoga class that is specifically designed for pregnant women. Prenatal yoga classes are usually gentle and focus on breathing and relaxation techniques. 

If you’re pregnant, use our prenatal directory to find a prenatal yoga, then drop into a class. 

Finally: Can Yoga Help with Anxiety? 

Yes, yoga is great for anxiety! 

Yoga uses conscious breathing and movement to induce relaxation and calm the mind.  

Over time, this practice lowers stress hormones—making it an effective natural treatment for anxiety disorders. But both yoga and other forms of treatment are needed for optimal mental health benefits. 

However, over time, you must build consistency. You cannot do yoga occasionally for a month and expect a change. If you want to see some difference, whether physical or mental, you will have to keep going. 

Read Also:

 

Content Rally wrapped around an online publication where you can publish your own intellectuals. It is a publishing platform designed to make great stories by content creators. This is your era, your place to be online. So come forward share your views, thoughts and ideas via Content Rally.

View all posts

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Related

Feet Stronger

4 Essential Ways Of How To Make Your Feet Stronger

The human feet are a masterpiece of engineering and a work of art that enables you to stand for long hours, walk for long distances, hop, skip and jump and follow the activities that your heart wants to follow. Just like a sound foundation ensures that a building stands upright forever; having strong feet ensure a longer, happier, and healthier life. However, we often tend to take our feet for granted.  Even the best of athletes focus upon building muscles legs, arms, calves, abs, and the rest of the body; but hardly anyone pays attention to the feet. We seem to forget the fact that our feet are involved in almost every activity we do. They provide us the support and balance in almost all our bodily movements. Lack of strength in our feet is therefore bound to compromise our ability to do any physical activity; be it walking, running, jump, high-intensity sporting event, or even standing! The Science Behind the Structure of the Feet Before we embark upon knowing the ways about how to ensure that your feet stronger, it is important to understand the three most important aspects that dictate how strong or weak your feet are. These are - 1.The Soles  Most of us who wear shoes all day long have very soft and tender feet soles. You would have noticed that those who spend time barefooted, have thicker soles. This makes them stronger and firmer and they are able to withstand superficial injuries as well as normal wear and tear quite easily. 2. The Joints, Muscles, And Tendrils Of The Feet  The human foot is a very complex structure. It is made of 33 joints, 26 bones, and almost 100 ligaments! They all are designed to function in a manner that the foot can take the weight of the entire body and spread it evenly to maintain balance in all types of movement. Strong feet not only help an efficient movement but also help in improving the posture. They also help in avoiding spinal injuries by efficiently maintaining our balance, thus cushioning the effect of any jerks. 3. Arches in the Feet  The arches in our feet help in an efficient rolling action, which maintains the balance during movement. Sometimes the arches are not well developed, giving rise to a situation commonly known as flat feet. When someone is flat-footed, it is difficult to maintain good rolling action which in turn leads to a lower range of action consequently lowering strength as well as speed. How to Make Your Feet Stronger Most of us are blessed with well-shaped feet that can take the rigors of our daily life and all the activities we undertake, but often we tend to neglect our feet and suffer the consequences by way of loss of strength as well as suffer from early aging symptoms. It is but natural that if the feet are weak, a person's mobility will be restricted and he will do fewer activities. This would have an adverse effect on overall health. On the other hand, if a person is active,  some of the drawbacks of being flat-footed can be overcome. Here are some of the ways of how to make your feet stronger - Exercises By consciously spending some time doing the following specific exercises is the best way to make your feet stronger – Caterpillar Type Movement – (Benefit- Strengthens the arches) Lie down on your back, draw your knees and place the feet flat on the floor about 8 inches away from each other. Then lift the arches of both the feet and simultaneously pull your toes backward toward the heels. Keep this position for a few seconds and bring back the arches and toe to their original position. Then do the reverse- arches up and heels toward the toes. Repeat this set three to five times. Windshield Wiper Movement – (Benefit- Strengthens the entire foot and improves ankle stability) In continuation with the caterpillar type movement exercise listed above, lift the toes, keeping the feet flexed while only the heels are touching the floor. Then slowly roll your feet to the ground and lift the heels keeping only your toes are on the ground. Repeat 8-10 times. Wing and Sickle Movement - (Benefit - Strengthens the ankles and promotes correct posture) Continue lying down as above and roll your feet inward along the inner edge in line with the toe, then roll outwards in line with a small finger. Do this 3-5 times. The Round Knot Movement - (Benefit - Stretches the ligaments and aids foot alignment) Sit upright on the floor and extend your legs in front. Bend the left knee towards yourself and interlace the fingertips of the right hand with the left toes. Inch them forward and backward giving the foot a stretch. Repeat 6-8 times. Then do the same with the other foot. Toughening up Your Feet There are many other ways of how to make your feet stronger. Stand More Often – Our daily life is mostly based on sitting. Be it office or home, we spend the day sitting. Consciously standing more often would help strengthen and stretch the muscles of the feet. Jogging/Walking on the Sand – If you have access to a sandy beach, try walking or running gently on the sand. This would increase the flexibility and strength in your feet and exercise the arch.     Read also: Why Jumping on Trampolines is More Beneficial than Running or Jogging? Walking Barefoot– Crazy as it may appear, walking on smooth rocks can do wonders for your feet' strength. Walking barefoot on grass is equally effective as it toughens up the feet soles and makes the feet stronger. Using Shoes With Insoles Insoles were traditionally used for making short people appear taller. These days however they are scientifically designed for multiple functions and assist in skiing, biking, golf, etc. Using best insoles for flat feet ensures not only physical comfort but also improves efficiency and performance in all your multifarious activities. Even those who suffer from other ailments like Morton’s Neuroma and plantar fasciitis can benefit by using the best insoles for flat feet and carry out all activities normally. Go On, Focus On Your Feet! If you want to enhance your control, balance, and power, it is important to start focusing on strengthening your feet. It will also make you agile with better control of movement. Following these simple tips in your daily routine can put you on the way to balanced, more powerful, and stronger feet in a matter of a few days! Read also: Get up and Workout! Things to Consider

READ MOREDetails
is medical specialities a good career path

Is Medical Specialities A Good Career Path? – 12 Best Jobs

Many people ask, “is medical specialities a good career path?” Medical careers may be satisfying since you strive to provide top-notch patient care. In the healthcare sector, there are many different positions, some of which have minor qualifications and others requiring several years of school and training. Job routes in the medical industry may best meet your goals and capabilities. In this post, I have outlined 12 potential careers and job positions you can work towards in medicine. Why Is Medical Specialities A Good Career Path? If you ask me, “is medical specialities a good career path?” I would definitely say yes. This is because there are various job benefits like: 1. Work Variety You can supervise others, deal directly with patients, or do administrative work in this sector. There are several medical specialties, so you may pick one that most appeals to you. A medical career path can also be continued by selecting a position that requires little training and education, then progressing through promotions for various tasks. 2. Lots Of Opportunities You may choose from various career routes in this industry, and most of them provide several prospects for advancement and managerial positions. If you decide to pursue a job in healthcare, you could be able to do so for the duration of your career. 3. Flexible Schedules Several healthcare institutions are open around-the-clock, allowing for various shifts to provide the most excellent patient care. You can work different shifts to fit your schedule if you intend to deal directly with patients. 4. Job Security The fastest-growing professions today include several roles in the healthcare industry. Those in the medical sector should anticipate job stability long into the future because some medical positions are expected to rise by 33% between 2018 and 2028. Best Medical Specialities Jobs In 2023 The reason why people ask, “is medical specialities a good career path? It’s because of various high-paying jobs like the ones I have stated below: 1. Veterinarian Average Annual Salary: $95,000 A veterinarian performs physical examinations on animals, makes a medical diagnosis, and treats and medicates them. They operate on animals and administer vaccinations. They also conduct health examinations and educate pet owners with knowledge about preventive care. Veterinarians might choose to focus on one particular kind of animal or treat a wide range of them. 2. Veterinary Assistant Average Hourly Salary: $13 The pet is sent to an examination room by a veterinary assistant, who also takes the animal's weight and vital signs. They support radiological operations and aid in calming the animal during the veterinarian's examination. Moreover, they prepare drugs, sanitize surgical equipment, and prepare the operating room. Also, they provide comfort for troubled animals and provide nighttime care. 3. Dietary Aide Average Hourly Salary: $11 Planning, preparing, and providing hygienic meals and beverages are the duties of a dietary assistant. Also, they need to inventory food supplies, monitor food temperature, and store goods properly. The eating areas and utensils must also be cleaned. 4. Patient Care Technician Average Hourly Salary: $14 A patient care technician makes rounds of the patients, assesses their status, and informs the medical personnel of any requirements. They also carry out non-essential medical and therapeutic treatments, as well as laboratory analyses of material that have been gathered. 5. Nursing Assistant Average Hourly Salary: $14 A nursing assistant supervises patients' meals, assists with primary care and treatments, and may even clean the facility. In the case of an emergency, they also notify the medical staff. A CNA helps patients with regular meals, exercise, and personal cleanliness. They tend to them, record their vital signs, and fill their charts. They assist the physicians, nurses, and other medical personnel as needed. If you are looking for experienced and licensed physicians to book your next medical appointment, take a look at WellcomeMD to get the best services. 6. Medical Assistant Average Hourly Salary: $15 A medical assistant keeps patient records up to date, handles office work, helps manage the medical inventory, and helps place orders for fresh supplies. Moreover, they guarantee that the exam rooms are pristine and ready to accept patients. 7. Athletic Trainer  Average Hourly Salary: $22 Collaborating with doctors and occupational therapists, an athletic trainer analyzes and assesses patient sports-related injuries and develops a treatment and training regimen. They handle patient documentation and keep track of patients' progress. They could attend to the patient at a hospital or a rehabilitation facility, or in their home. 8. Nutritionist Average Annual Salary: $52,000 A nutritionist assists customers in creating a balanced food plan to suit their nutritional needs, shed pounds, and build muscle. To help people make better food decisions, they can also maintain a webpage regarding dietary practices. 9. Licensed And Registered Nurses Average Hourly Salary: $30 A nurse provides medical care to individuals of all ages and with various health requirements in nursing homes, clinics, community centers, and hospitals. They administer drugs, run medical equipment, perform diagnostic procedures, and keep track of patients' vital signs. They collaborate with physicians, nurses, and other healthcare workers to track patients' medical records. On the other hand, a licensed practical nurse performs average patient care in clinics, hospitals, and private employment settings. They aid medical professionals, including physicians and registered nurses, during examinations and treatments. They keep tabs on the patient's development and alert the doctor if anything goes wrong. 10. Health Administrator Average Annual Salary: $72,000 A health administrator manages a healthcare organization's workforce and operations. To enhance patient care, they put healthcare policies into place and monitor healthcare systems. They oversee the organization's finances, follow the law, and interact with the healthcare industry, the government, and investors. They are also actively hiring employees. 11. Physical Therapist Average Annual Salary: $82,000 In collaboration with the patient's doctors, a physical specialist is in charge of creating and carrying out efficient treatment and care programs. Every two years, they must update their training regimen with a minimum of 10+ hours of continued education. They must also help administrative employees with billing and reporting questions and aid with state physical therapy laws. 12. Occupational Therapist Average Annual Salary: $40,000 An occupational therapist analyzes, assesses, and develops treatment programs for patients who are ill, wounded, or incapacitated to assist them in performing daily activities. They help them with physical activity, keep tabs on their development, and suggest making their surroundings more bearable. They might speak with medical professionals and caretakers and work together. Conclusion So, is medical specialities a good career path? The answer is yes. Individuals who are passionate about medicine and want to make a big difference in people's lives can consider a career in one of the medical specialties. Although the industry may have its share of difficulties, the potential benefits and the chance to work in a continuously changing industry make it a popular and alluring career choice. 7 Health Tips For Medical Students Is Health Care A Good Career Path? Is Medical/Dental Instruments A Good Career Path

READ MOREDetails
Essential Nutrients For Maintaining Optimal Maternal Health

5 Essential Nutrients For Maintaining Optimal Maternal Health

Is there anything more miraculous and joyful than carrying a piece of you for nine straight months? But pregnancy is certainly not a journey full of roses. From consuming the right diet to limiting exercise, there is so much to consider. But out of all, eating right during pregnancy is mega important. It is really vital for nurturing a healthy baby and mama. But with so many pregnancy nutrition rules, it can get kind of confusing and overwhelming fast! Well, guess what, here is a guide that will take you through the 5 essential nutrients every expecting mother should consume in the right amount. So, let’s get started… Prenatal Vitamins: What Are Those? In simple terms, prenatal vitamins refer to multivitamins for expecting mothers. In comparison to a usual multivitamin, the former has more nutrients that might make the pregnancy healthier. Usually, the medical professional assisting you will prescribe it, but if he doesn’t, you can always buy it from stores with a prescription.  The human body uses minerals, vitamins, and other nutrients present in food to stay healthy and strong. At the time of pregnancy, as we all know, the mother passes down all necessary nutrients to her embryo. Thus, your body asks for more vitamins when you are pregnant. That is exactly the job of prenatal vitamins.  Which Nutrients Are Most Important For A Perfect Maternal Health? Before you go bonkers, let’s break it down to the essential nutrients preggos really need more of. Here are 5 all-star vitamins and minerals to help maintain tip-top maternal health: The VIP Folate Alright, all you soon-to-be mamas, listen up. Folate (aka folic acid) should be topping your prenatal vitamin rockstar list. This essential B vitamin helps prevent major birth defects of the baby's brain and spine when taken before conception and in early pregnancy. We're talking about the next level vital for fetal development. Folate also helps produce new cells, so mama needs extra to accommodate a growing babe. Most docs recommend women start supplementing 400-800 mcg of folate at least a month before pregnancy. But hey, better late than never, if you're already pregnant, try to achieve optimal maternal health with a Specialist Obstetrician! Supercharged Iron Fun fact: A developing fetus needs lots of mineral iron to form their blood supply and other tissues. So, in turn, mama needs way more iron to share with baby! When you're expecting, your iron needs to jump by up to 50%. Unfortunately, the vitamin C in my OJ every morning doesn't cut it. Most mamas-to-be need an additional iron supplement of 30-60 mg on top of a balanced diet. Too little iron during pregnancy zaps your energy and can lead to stuff like anemia. No one wants that! So, rev up on iron-rich foods plus a prenatal vitamin to stay energized. The Calcium Extravaganza Did you know baby needs around 30 grams of calcium just to build their tiny growing skeleton? Well, they have to get that supply from somewhere! The calcium in Mama's body works overtime during pregnancy to help form the baby's bones and teeth. That's why pregnant women need around 1,000 mg of calcium per day. Goodbye, plain almond milk, hello, extra cheesy pizza! Jokes aside, ensure you get adequate calcium from dairy, leafy greens, supplements, or all of the above. Your wee one will thank you for strong bones. Omega-3s For Winning You've probably heard omega-3 fatty acids are clutch for heart and brain health. Well, it turns out they’re essential for a baby’s development, too. These healthy fats help build a baby’s nervous system and retinal tissues. They’re also linked to lower risks of preterm births and postpartum depression. That’s why experts recommend at least 250–300 mg of omega-3s like DHA daily for expecting mothers. Load up on fatty fish, nuts, and seeds - or just grab a fish oil supplement as an insurance policy to meet your levels. Consider omega-3s a must for both of your well-being. The Magical Magnesium Don't sleep on the mineral magnesium during pregnancy! It plays a role in so many vital stuff: bone growth, regulating blood pressure, aiding enzymes and metabolism, and muscle and nerve function. Oh, and helping build DNA and RNA. NBD! Unfortunately, the typical Western diet often lacks enough magnesium. Pregnant women need at least 350–400 mg daily from food and supplements. Get your fill from dark leafy greens, nuts, whole grains, yogurt, and more magnesium-rich sources. Your body and babe will thank you! Mamas, Take Care Of Your Mental Health Too…  You are already doing so much, make sure to sit back and relax. Pregnancy might seem like a 9-month-long journey, but trust us when we say it passes in the blink of an eye. All those days will be missed by you later. So, make sure to take care of your mental health too.  Surround yourself with positive people, listen to calm music, and avoid taking too much stress. Post-partum depression is inevitable, but you can always be cheerful in your approaches when the baby is growing inside you. Eat whatever satisfies your soul, but make sure that it doesn’t have a negative impact on your baby. Your emotional strength is responsible for your physical strength, too. So, ensure to keep both of them balanced, positive, and cherishing. Conclusion There you have it, mamas - the crème de la crème nutrients for staying healthy during pregnancy! Prioritizing these all-star vitamins and minerals ensures you and your growing baby get all the key building blocks you need. Consult your doctor and add any supplements needed for optimal levels. Your nutrient intake matters more than ever before – so eat well for two! With this, it's a wrap on this comprehensive guide. But you will get to know more if you want to. Keep reading my articles, as they have a lot of beneficial information for my readers. Also, if you find this article helpful, do not forget to share your comments below.  Read Also: The Top 10 Best Foods To Eat In Early Pregnancy Meals That Matter: The Best Foods And The Ways They Make You Fit

READ MOREDetails