Potential Benefits of Yoga Physiological Increased strength, flexibility and stamina Releases tension in the body, which can reduce muscle strain and chronic pain Lowers blood pressure Increases the "feel-good" hormones, oxcytocin and prolactin Decreased cortisol levels Increased serotonin Certain techniques stimulate vagus nerve actitivity Calms sympathetic nervous system while activiatining the parasympathetic system Increased balance and spatial awareness Increased mindfulness and awareness of the body Psychological Functional MRI studies indicate that Yoga Nidra practices actually shift blood into left side of brain, which lead to improved emotional stability Safe, natural method of anxiety/stress-reduction Decreases anxiety using breath and movement Balances left/right brain function Cultivates equanimity in the face of life's challenges Elevates and balances mood and creates sense of well-being Develops greater self awareness Increased mindfulness of emotions General Part of increasing trend towards holistic approach to healthcare; in treating just the physical symptoms, you frequently fail to address the underlying cause, which is often stress or depression-related, leading to recurrence of problem later Natural, drug-free Few, if any side-effects Provides proactive, empowering set of tools for self-management of physical and psychological symptoms Back