What are the benefits of YOGA to the body?

In Sanskrit an ancient Indian language, the term Yoga refers to a union. It is said to be the oldest defined practice of self development, a practice of physical posture or poses. Yoga is more than a stretching; it is about creating balance in the body by developing both strength and flexibility. But how can yoga affect the body?
Yoga brings together the mind, body and soul that is why it has a lot of health benefits. Here are some health benefits of YOGA:

• reduced stress
• sound sleep
• reduced cortisol levels
• improvement of many medical conditions
• allergy and asthma symptom relief
• lower blood pressure
• smoking cessation help
• lower heart rate
• spiritual growth
• sense of well-being
• reduced anxiety and muscle tension
• increased strength and flexibility
• slowed aging process
  

Yoga is something that is worth a try for your health and wellness though we have to make sure that we have a good understanding on what type of yoga suits you well as well the benefits it can give you. Here are some of the types of yoga with a short description:

1. Hatha: One of the most popular types of yoga (if not THE most popular), hatha yoga is meant to achieve balance between the mind and body. It includes traditional yoga postures for all levels, and is often a general term used to describe a collection of yoga styles. (Many of the types of yoga below are derived from hatha yoga.)
2. Dru: A series of poses are performed to help you find your inner tranquility and strength, as well as improve your well-being.
3. Bikram: A series of 26 poses are performed in a heated room (the temperature can be anywhere from 90-100 degrees F) to make your body sweat. The heat in the room100 degrees F) to make your body sweat. The heat in the room is meant to increase your body's flexibility, reduce the risk of injury and help you to detoxify.
4. Anusara: Meaning literally "to step into the current of divine will," anusara is meant to promote awareness and well-being along with body alignment.
5. Integral: A gentle form of hatha yoga that emphasizes breathing, chanting, meditation and purifying the body's energy channels.