Yogic Healing Through the Journey of Life

By Gopi Rao

What is yogic healing? While yoga is most well-known for poses, many healing systems are combined in modern classes. Through steady and careful yoga practice people improve their health. Yoga can be an important part of healing yourself, both physically and emotionally. There is a wide range of benefits to practicing this ancient form of exercise on a regular basis. While millions of practitioners can attest to the advantages, there are now quite a few scientific studies that back this up as well. Let’s look at some of the ways that yoga can accelerate many types of healing.

Helps Reduce Stress

One of the most important benefits of yogic healing is its ability to reduce stress. This is one of the reasons so many modern people with hectic lives embrace it. Stress reduction is not only crucial for functioning well in everyday life, but it can also help to prevent conditions such as anxiety and depression. A 2012 study at UCLA, for example, showed that doing a brief yogic meditation reduced stress in people who were caregivers for Alzheimer’s patients. Researchers determined that this practice contributed to reduced levels of inflammation in the bodies of those who participated. Then again, inflammation is associated not only with stress but also with the overall strength of the immune system.

Eases Back Pain

Back pain is one of the most common health complaints of all and yoga can help to manage it. It is equally important to understand that regular yoga practice can prevent back pain from returning. Additionally, yoga strengthens and stretches muscles around the spine and promotes good posture. A 2012 study from Bangor University in Wales showed that yoga classes were effective at reducing back pain for the majority of participants.

Helps Manage Chronic Illness

Practicing yoga can be beneficial to people suffering from long-term illnesses such as cancer. It does this in several ways, such as by helping these people reduce stress, sleep better and give them more energy. It can also help them to stay active, thus preventing the atrophy of bones and muscles. Gentle forms of yoga are especially beneficial in this regard, providing an alternative to more tiring forms of exercise. Of course, taxing exercises wouldn’t be appropriate for people recovering from serious illnesses. In fact, a study conducted by the University of Rochester Medical Center found that cancer patients had more energy with gentle yoga. Additionally, they also slept better after practicing in gentle yoga sessions.

Improved Sleep

A regular yoga practice can lead to improved sleep patterns. In our fast-paced, stress-filled world, many of us have trouble falling asleep and staying asleep. When we are able to connect with our breath and let go of our thoughts, we are better able to relax and fall asleep. We all have experienced tossing and turning at night, trying to fall asleep but our minds won’t stop racing. Practicing yoga can help to quiet the mind and ease us into a restful state.

Yogic Healing Qualities

The above are just a few examples of how yogic healing can contribute to various improvements in one’s life. In reality, there are benefits to every part of the body and mind, for yoga is a holistic practice. After all, the more you are able to incorporate its principles into your daily life, the more you can enjoy its healing powers.