What are the health benefits of yoga, according to the NHS?
Dozens of scientific trials of varying quality have been published on yoga. While there's scope for more rigorous studies on its health benefits, most studies suggest yoga is a safe and effective way to increase physical activity, especially strength, flexibility and balance. Yoga improves balance by strengthening your lower body, in particular your ankles and knees, thereby reducing your chances of falling. There's some evidence that regular yoga practice is beneficial for people with high blood pressure, heart disease, aches and pains - including lower back pain - depression and stress. Yoga is popular with people with arthritis for its gentle way of promoting flexibility and strength. Some research suggests yoga can reduce pain and mobility problems in people with knee osteoarthritis.
Dozens of scientific trials of varying quality have been published on yoga. While there's scope for more rigorous studies on its health benefits, most studies suggest yoga is a safe and effective way to increase physical activity, especially strength, flexibility and balance. Yoga improves balance by strengthening your lower body, in particular your ankles and knees, thereby reducing your chances of falling. There's some evidence that regular yoga practice is beneficial for people with high blood pressure, heart disease, aches and pains - including lower back pain - depression and stress. Yoga is popular with people with arthritis for its gentle way of promoting flexibility and strength. Some research suggests yoga can reduce pain and mobility problems in people with knee osteoarthritis.