The practice of yoga developed in India 5,000 years ago. For many people, yoga brings balance to the mind and body.
Yoga is the most commonly used complementary health approach among U.S. adults, and the number of Americans who use yoga continues to grow, according to a recent report by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
In this Mayo Clinic Minute, Colleen Pelkey, a Mayo Clinic mind and body instructor, explains how yoga can improve your health and enhance your life.
Welcome to the Mayo Clinic Healthy Living Program’s gentle yoga class.
“It helps with balance and strength and flexibility, which, really, all of us need,” says Pelkey.
Pelkey says yoga also may reduce stress, lower blood pressure, lower your heart rate, and …
“… it can reduce the inflammation in our bodies. It helps with digestion. It just gets everything moving.”
Through poses and meditation, yoga helps you focus on your body, breathing and relaxing. So you can tune out the demands of your busy world and find balance.
“Anybody can benefit from yoga,” says Pelkey.
Even people with diseases such as cancer and diabetes. Talk to your health care provider before you start.
Video ‘Courtesy: Mayo Clinic News Network.’[/vc_message]
