Yoga for Health and Weight Problems

by Maia Appleby

We all know that doing yoga is relaxing and that it makes us more limber, but there are literally hundreds of little known benefits that can also be reaped from doing these poses a couple times a week. Here's a sample of some of the most common ailments and how yoga makes them easier to live with.

1. Skin problems - They're often caused by stress, and yoga reduces stress levels. It also helps increase the blood flow to your face, getting rid of toxins.

2. Arthritis - Gentle contracting and curling of the hands and fingers really loosens up the joints, relieving arthritic pain.

3. Back problems - Your back is both strengthened and stretched, which improves its endurance tremendously.

4. Depression and fatigue - Improving your circulation with yoga makes you feel more energetic and less lethargic.

5. Diabetes - Your pancreas and liver function better when you practice yoga regularly, and this helps to regulate your blood sugar levels.

6. High blood pressure - Just two poses a day improves your circulation and reduces tension, almost guaranteeing lower blood pressure.

7. High cholesterol - Cholesterol is known to rise and fall with stress levels. Yoga's soothing power helps keep you calm.

8. Osteoporosis - Standing poses keep your legs strong, possibly slowing down degeneration. They also improve your balance, preventing you from falling.

9. Vision problems - There are actually yoga exercises that strengthen the eye muscles. This can relieve problems from cataracts, glaucoma and eyestrain and even improve your vision.

10. Weight problems - The meditation and deep breathing required to do yoga set you up psychologically for weight loss by improving your self image, your strength and, most importantly, your willpower!