Why yoga is good for women

Originating in the Indian subcontinent over 5,000 years ago, yoga is now commonly known for helping reduce stress, cleansing and maintaining a healthy mind and body balance. Although it may not cure a pre-existing condition, how it improves health is impressive. Regular yoga practice improves the overall functioning of the body, blood circulation, strength, sleep and digestion. Let us take a look at some specific conditions faced by women and how yoga can help prevent or improve some of them.

Insomnia and asthma

Pranayama (breathing exercises) is an important part of yoga and has been known to improve oxygen circulation and reduce the symptoms of asthma, giving you more control over your breathing. According to the National Institutes of Health, the stress-relief benefits of pranayama helps improve sleep as well.

High blood pressure and diabetes

Improved blood circulation and relaxation mean that the body can control unavoidable lifestyle diseases like diabetes, hypertension and high blood pressure. A regular yoga regimen consisting of specific practices that can address these issues is highly recommended.

Arthritis and fibromyalgia

Practicing yoga regularly helps in overall pain management. There are classes specifically designed to treat pain associated with arthritis or fibromyalgia. Anecdotal evidence shows that arthritic women find yoga helpful. A study by Stanford University suggests that techniques engaging mind and body such as yoga are therapeutic for such disorders as fibromyalgia and arthritis. Stretching can help with improving flexibility and blood circulation and can stimulate the release of endorphins in the body apart from helping you deal with the stress of living with these illnesses.

Osteoporosis and back pain

The low-impact nature of yogic practices means that some of the postures may be good even for women suffering from osteoporosis. Again, it helps relieve pain and aid in retaining bone density in the spine and upper body parts. However, caution is advised, because every woman’s condition and body are unique.

Practicing complicated exercises without supervision should be avoided to prevent excessive pressure or range of motion in the body. Yoga can provide temporary relief for back pain, especially during pregnancy or menstruation. Practicing certain poses in the right manner helps improve posture, strengthen back muscles and relieve nerve compression.

Premenstrual syndrome (PMS) menstrual cramps and menopause

Regular yoga practice can also reduce symptoms of PMS, such as anxiety, abdominal cramps, mood swings, and depression (in some women). American Yoga Association has suggested that apart from this, meditation and pranayama also help reduce hot flashes and other menopause symptoms in women. Some of these asanas can stimulate endocrine glands and the reproductive system helping balance body chemistry.

Pregnancy

Engaging in prenatal yoga classes is now common among pregnant women. They are recommended mid to moderate exercise during this time. More focus on breathing and relaxation in these classes can help deal with pregnancy-related stress as well.

Talk to your local health care professional for recommendations on the prenatal yoga courses best suited for you. Some may advise focusing on breathing and meditation rather than the more challenging poses, especially for women who are breastfeeding. In general, however, most prenatal yoga classes offer specialized training keeping in mind all these variables among nursing mothers and pregnant women.