Yoga has been described as the heart of healing and it provides a uniquely harmonising effect for the entire body.

Thanks to its emphasis on deep, rhythmic and effective breathing, yoga not only increases lung capacity and oxygenation of the brain but also the flow of electromagnetic energy which is generated by the heart and transported around the body by the nervous system.

While poor breathing may not always be at the root of depression, it is a fact that people who are depressed or who are suffering from some other kind of mood disorder tend to breathe shallowly and irregularly. By emphasizing effective breathing, yoga can have a very positive effect on the mind as well as the body.

Electrocardiograms have shown the damage to the heart caused by stress and negative thinking and have also demonstrated the

healing process that can be brought about by a lessening of stress and more positive thinking.

Yoga also addresses the complaints caused by stress such as tension headaches and hyperventilation. Although it can take long and dedicated practice of yoga to reverse the damage caused by stress and neglect, even complete yoga beginners will soon see an improvement in body function and mental outlook.

Thanks to its emphasis on balanced stretching, yoga can help prevent and ease any number of painful conditions caused by overuse of joints and limbs. These include injuries ranging from hamstring and other sports injuries to conditions such as a frozen shoulder.

Yoga has also been proven to help maintain bone density and to encourage the healthy movement of joints. Better posture, reduced back pain, improved digestion, greater suppleness, clearer sinuses, better balance and improved muscle and skin tone are some of the other benefits of yoga.