How Yoga Transforms Your Body

Hatha yoga - an ancient form which emphasizes physical postures - can improve cognitive function, boosting focus and memory. A 2009 pilot study found that practicing yoga could increase Bikram Yoga - a form of yoga performed in a heated room - has been found to be effective in bone density increasing shoulder, back and hamstring flexibility. among older adults. Improved Brain Lower Lower Risk of Heart Function Stress Disease Levels Alter Healthy Weight Gene Expression After class After years Stronger Increased Bones Flexibility How Yoga Transforms Your Body Lower Improved Sense of Blood Balance Pressure Improved Lung Capacity Lower Blood Sugar Levels in Diabetics After a few months Relief from Chronic Improved Sexual Back Pain Function Reduced Anxiety Relief Chronic Regular yoga practice could improve multiple Some yoga could be more effective in reducing pain and improving mood than standard medical treatment for chronic back problems. Neck Pain sexual function nction among women, including arousal, desire, orgasm and general satisfaction. Some yoga programs have been found to reduce anxiety and heighten brain chemicals that combat depression and anxiety-related disorders. Sources: Studies by University of Illinois, University of California at Los Angeles, University of Oslo, Colorado State University, University of Pennsylvania, Ball State University, Harvard University, Charité-University Medical Center, Boston University, West Virginia University, University College of Medical Sciences in New Delhi, Temple University, Dr. Loren Fishman, Alan Kristal of the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Integral Health Clinic in India Illustrations: Shutterstock THE HUFFINGTON POST