with regular practice, the benefits of yoga are clearly perceptible in direct experience. it’s an N of one, but i can confidently say i am happier, healthier and more resilient for my practice!

lists of the benefits of the practice can seem a bit flat to me. scientific study tends to focus on single, fragmentary aspects and i’m keen for folks to taste the practice for themselves, and see what happens in their own experience! that said, if you’re new to yoga, and kind of interested but not sure, the mind may need a wee nudge of reassurance that there might indeed be something of value in this yoga malarkey!

scientists and researchers are getting closer to understanding the physiological and neurological pathways at work when we practice - pathways that the ancient yogis understood experientially. research into yoga is still comparatively young and study design is imperfect, but the quality of studies is nonetheless improving and patterns are beginning to emerge in the findings.

this is a very general summary of some of them.

asana practice brings balance in the strength and flexibility of the joints and musculature, hydrating and nourishing tissues, maintaining fitness and function, and calling on cohesion and support from the connective tissue and fascia. balance is often improved. practice boosts bone health and contributes to the retention of bone density. intervertebral discs must imbibe their nourishment from nutrients migrating from nearby blood vessels. the movements of a typical yoga practice optimise this exchange and promote optimal spinal health.

learning to organise our structures to co-operate efficiently with the pull of gravity and space gives us a reference point for easeful, dynamic posture. this allows us to relinquish any unequal bracing and holding in muscles that, if unaddressed, may lead to aches and pains, and concomitant restrictions in the organ body.

yoga practice has been shown to improve blood circulation, get more oxygen to the cells, and increase endurance and cardiovascular conditioning.

stress plays a role in any disease process. in bringing to the fore the parasympathetic branch of the nervous system, the practice creates conditions for the body to heal.

generally inflammation markers are lowered and immunity is boosted. yoga has been found to lower the production of the stress hormone cortisol and increase serotonin. consistent practice has been shown to lower blood sugar, ldl cholesterol, and high blood pressure. studies indicate reduction in chronic pain, anxiety and depression, and improvements in sleep quality. one study showed a significant decrease in insomnia, memory problems and the hot flushes associated with menopause. more generally the practice promotes improvement in co-ordination, memory, and problem solving.

in one study looking at yoga in ageing, practice was found to boost a telomere preserving hormone. (telomeres are the ends of dna strands in the cells, which can become shorter with age). in another, the practice of savasana (just savasana!) three times a week was shown to contribute to maintaining healthy weight.

and so, we step onto the mat, and begin...