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From fertility to breast health to positive body image, five benefits of yoga to improve your health and well-being

- Payal Gidwani Tiwari Yoga expert, Mumbai

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If you can control your mind, you can control everything. While the spiritual benefits of yoga are central to this ancient age-old tradition, the physical aspect is what draws most people to it. Practising yoga leads to clarity, good health and a happier, more peaceful mindset. It may be tempting to consider yoga as merely another exercise routine but its real healing benefits come from its integrated approach to working with the mind and body. Yoga is for anyone willing to unroll the yoga mat. Some aspects of yoga are beneficial for women and helps ease the stress that comes with the multitaski­ng they do. Boosts breast health Yoga is beneficial in keeping breast tissue healthy. This is an an integral part of a woman’s well-being. Backbends and twists increase circulatio­n while deep breathing exercises such as kapalabhat­i and kumbhaka (retention) in pranayama enable oxygen to reach the lungs. this in turn boosts functionin­g of the immune system. Improves reproducti­ve health A regular yoga routine improves female fertility and helps in reducing pain during menstruati­on. It also manages the hormonal system which when imbalanced could lead to polycystic ovarian disorder (PCOS) which causes irregular and excessive periods, facial hair and acne. Helps in menopause and other hormonal disorders Menopause causes temperatur­e changes and hot flashes and a restorativ­e yoga practice can help in taking care of these issues which are caused by hormonal changes. Doing yoga regularly also takes care of other side effects such as insomnia, anxiety, depression and mood swings caused by frequent hormonal shifts. Fights premature ageing Yoga is a boon for ageing mind and body as asanas and pranayama require a lot of focus thereby improving cognitive functions of the brain. Builds mental and emotional strength Yoga provides a playground to experience our feelings and build emotional strength. To enhance emotional strength through yoga, it must be more than a physical exercise. It works wonders in regulating the breath and when we carry this stabilised breathing pattern off the mat, it works in building our tolerance, both mental and physical. Remember, yoga begins outside of your comfort zone.

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