What is Yoga and What Are Its Health Benefits?
Have you noticed the increasing number of yoga classes advertised from the gym to the community centre and at all points in between? Have you seen smiling people carrying their yoga mats with contented looks on their faces? These people share one thing: a search for balance. Their search led them to the 5,000+ year old Indian tradition of yoga. The practice of yoga is growing in popularity. There are classes for beginners as well as those with experience, for those with injuries or those looking for gentle stretching and relaxation and for those seeking vigorous activity. Prenatal, Postnatal, Family Yoga and even Laughter Yoga are all available. Yoga is adaptable to the individual so there is something for everyone. Contrary to what you might think, you do not have to be flexible to ‘do’ yoga. All you need is an open mind. Dr. Timothy McCall, MD, yoga instructor and author of the book Yoga as Medicine, lists 50 health conditions that are benefited by yoga according to scientific studie