ing lung function. According to the Northern Colorado Allergy & Asthma Clinic, individuals with asthma reported decreased frequency in the use of inhal- ers, increased relaxation and a more positive outlook on life after participat- ing in regular yoga sessions for four months.


Boost in Mood Yoga’s deep breathing, combined with the need for balance and concentration, works to reduce stress, anxiety, heart rate and blood pressure levels, accord- ing to research published by the Mayo Clinic. Yoga’s breathing techniques have reportedly reduced blood pressure more effectively than other soothing activities, such as listening to relaxing music.


Weight Loss Because yoga tends to raise awareness of the benefits of healthy living, it also is used to motivate overweight indi- viduals to gain control of eating habits and support their efforts to lose weight. Many teachers offer yoga programs spe- cifically designed for those wanting to shed pounds. A 10-year lifestyle study of 15,500 adults in their 50s, published in Alternative Therapies in Health and Medicine, found that regular yoga practice was associated with less age- related weight gain.


Meredith Montgomery is a registered yoga teacher and has been practicing yoga for 12 years.


natural awakenings


September 2011


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