By now, you\u2019re probably aware of what yoga is and most of its benefits. Apart from keeping you fit and relaxed, this ancient practice of connecting mind and body is a common way of fighting stress and finding serenity. It\u2019s also known to help improve flexibility, build strength, and increase muscle tone, among other benefits.<\/p>\n
As it becomes part of life for most westerners, other unexpected benefits of this exercise are emerging. In this post, we\u2019re sharing 5 surprising benefits of yoga that come as a bonus if you lead a yoga lifestyle.<\/p>\n
If you had one too many the previous evening, you\u2019d probably be looking for ways to get over the hangover hump the following day. Don\u2019t bother reaching for acetaminophen, as it doesn\u2019t go well with alcohol. Neither will coffee and other caffeine-based beverages help with the morning-after misery. But yoga will.<\/p>\n
Yoga works as a hangover cure by resetting your hormones, which are left unbalanced by alcohol. Its therapeutic nature helps reduce cortisol levels while boosting the production of serotonin, oxytocin, and dopamine (a.k.a the feel-good hormone).<\/p>\n
Yoga poses that help cure hangovers include balasana, savasana (corpse pose), and cat-cow. These are easy yoga asanas that can even be performed by novice yogis and yoginis. Upavistha konasana is another cool pose for dealing with hangover migraines and stiff back muscles.<\/p>\n
Most private rehabilitation centers today are increasingly using yoga as an adjunct to breaking the cycle of drug addiction<\/a>. Yoga can complement other substance abuse treatment approaches because of its physical, emotional, social, and spiritual aspects.<\/p>\n Switching to a substance-free life means giving up a chemical-safe haven. As a recovering addict, this isn\u2019t always easy due to the existing disconnection between your mind and body. But yoga creates moments of self-inquiry, ultimately attuning you to your body.<\/p>\n Most recovering addicts from their first yoga class often say they feel new, alive, and convinced that everything will be okay. That\u2019s because as you sit on that mat with your breath and movements synchronized, you get to ask and truthfully answer questions you wouldn\u2019t have asked yourself prior.<\/p>\n As a physical exercise, yoga may also help improve your self-image, encouraging you to keep fighting. Moreover, most rehab centers with yoga discourage their students from substance abuse as it may interfere with the mind-body connection and energy centers.<\/p>\n Research suggests that breast cancer patients have improved life quality after supplementing medical treatment with yoga.<\/p>\n A study by The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Centre placed 191 breast cancer women into three groups: yoga, simple stretches, and no classes. The participants in the first two groups attended one-hour classes designed for breast cancer patients three days a week for six weeks during radiation.<\/p>\n The researchers found that the women who participated in yoga and simple stretches were less fatigued than the no-classes group. Not surprisingly, the participants in the yoga group reported less fatigue. A swab test also revealed that the women who participated in yoga had significantly lower cortisol (stress hormone) levels. Another important finding was that the yoga group was inclined to find meaning amidst suffering<\/a>.<\/p>\n Yoga benefits for breast cancer patients include;<\/p>\nMay Help Manage Breast Cancer\u00a0<\/b><\/h3>\n