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Yoga is like a tough, loving friend—heavy on the loving. Certain variations of yoga can be intense and are commonly done for weight loss benefit. Yet overall, people tend to practice yoga for all sorts of reasons. Some are drawn to its spiritual and mindfulness quality, while others are more practically searching for benefits like better sleep.
While a definitive and complete list of how yoga can help improve life quality is still to be determined, items continue to be added. Among these are the health conditions you may not ordinarily associate with yoga, but no less may be affected by its impact.
1. Memory Impairment
A study conducted by the Alzheimer’s association with adults that have mild memory impairment related to the possible onset of Alzheimer’s compared benefits of yoga versus brain training exercises.
Verbal memory was improved on both fronts. Those who practiced yoga experienced a positive change in their visual-spatial memory, which is used to recall information like location and sense of navigation. Also, certain types of yoga, such as Kundalini, may be particularly helpful in increasing the overall connection between neurons in the brain.
2. Balance Issues
Yoga is indeed associated with assisting those with arthritis. But, the elderly may be able to prevent becoming victims of the rising issue of severe falls. Falls among the elderly are very common and dangerous.
Sadly, once a senior experiences a severe fall, they are at risk of falling again. This is where yoga may be able to make a difference. A study in India concluded that yoga improved elderly patients’ ability to rise from sitting, lose weight, stronger strides, and even the psychological component of fearing the fall.
3. Thyroid Issues in Women
One of several studies examines the effects of yoga on thyroid patients in a span of six months, and concluded that thyroid issues in women may be improved upon with the steady practice of yoga. While it is suggested that it is used in conjunction with medical therapy, reports reveal an elevated quality of life, as well as decreased symptoms related to the disease.
4. Menopause
As menopause commonly ignites irregularities and shifts in hormone balance, yoga is said to be an ally in defense. Restorative yoga, in particular, is said to be useful for fighting hot flashes, anxiety, irritability, insomnia, fatigue, depression, mood swings, and insomnia that are associated with menopause. As symptoms during menopause are complex, yoga is a versatile method that serves as an advocate for a woman’s physical, psychological, and psychosocial wellbeing.
5. Cancer Treatment Side Effects
While evidence that yoga can cure cancer does not exist, the opposite is true of the symptoms that can come about from the experience of having such a disease. Considered an alternative therapy, yoga may work to improve the symptoms brought about from the disease itself as well as treatment such as chemotherapy.
A cluster of studies indicates that the intervention of yoga yielded positive results on all fronts. It aided in all symptoms related to cancer and treatment in pertinence to immunity, inflammation, stress, and more.
Is there anything yoga can’t do? We’ll wait for the research. Until then, keep calm and yoga on.
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