The practice of yoga is over five thousand years old, and many thousands of people have enjoyed the mental and physical benefits that it can bring in this time. You may be aware of some of the major benefits that yoga can have on your overall health such as better flexibility and helping to ease stress. However, there are some benefits that you may not be aware of, and these are discussed in more detail below.

Fertility Issues

Some studies have shown that yoga can help couples that are struggling with fertility issues. When you are trying for a baby but have not conceived, it is often a very stressful time. Yoga can help relieve some of this stress and help you feel more relaxed about the whole situation. You may even want to consider practicing yoga as a couple to help you both relax.

Heart Disease

Yoga can help increase your capacity for exercise, and this can make a real difference to the health of your heart. It is also a form of cardiovascular exercise which is very good for the heart. Studies have shown that people with heart problems can make steady improvement in their health when they practice yoga at least once a week.

Asthma

An important part of yoga is learning to control your breathing. When you are able to do this, then you may find that you are able to manage the symptoms your asthma better. This is especially true for people with mild to moderate asthma. If you have been diagnosed with asthma, you should always consult your doctor before starting any new exercise schedule.

Arthritis

Iyengar yoga makes use of aids such as blocks that help to position, and this has been shown to be beneficial to people that are suffering from arthritis. Gentle movement is the best type of exercise that people with arthritis can do and yoga is ideal for this. People with arthritis that also do yoga have reported that they experience less pain and that their range of motion also improves. They are also less likely to feel depressed about their condition.

Insomnia

Yoga can also be one of the most effective methods to combat insomnia. While you are practicing yoga, you are encouraged to clear your mind of any worry or stress that you may have. There are postures in yoga that you can do while you are lying down and these poses can help you to relax your body and mind and get ready for a good nights sleep.

Just a few minutes a day could be all that is needed to start to experience some of these benefits and so if you suffer from any of the conditions above it is something worth thinking about. The more that you put into yoga, the more that you will get out so it may be worth trying to schedule some time every couple of days to make sure you get a proper yoga session. You may be surprised at how much healthier you feel when yoga becomes part of your usual routine.