A greater zest for life Increased strength and flexibility Aids digestion and circulation Improved concentration and increased awareness Increased ability to manage stress through relaxation Improved breathing and good health Brings balance to the mind, the body and the soul    The Yoga postures (Asanas) and breathing (Pranayama) exercise every part of the body (muscles, joints, spine, organs, glands and nerves). They release tension and liberate energy, revitalise and bring clarity, calmness and improved concentration of the mind.   Effect of Yoga on: Muscles and ligaments - Gives a slow, non-violent stretch, stimulates circulation, prevents a build-up of lactic acid and corrects poor posture. Skeleton - Frees joints, corrects alignment, strengthens spine and releases pressure from inter-vertebral discs. Circulation - Massages and strengthens the heart and stimulates "stagnant" areas. Nerves - Believed to remove toxins, increase neuro-transmission, stabilise responses of nervous system to stress and reduce involuntary symptoms (sweating, anxiety, racing heart and muscular tension). Glands - Regulates hormonal production and aids cleansing of the glands, improving their function. Mind - Gives increased clarity, concentration and insight. Emotions - Brings a calmness, inner strength and an ability to manage difficult situations more skillfully. Immune System - Balances and strengthens, increases effectiveness of immune cells and ability to fight chronic infection. Stimulates the glands and lymph nodes.   Yoga and Good health Yoga and Osteoporosis - Yoga is strengthening and weight bearing. It helps to balance the endocrine system, which in turn aid in retaining calcium in the bones. Yoga improves posture and helps keep the spine supple and strong. Yoga and Pregnancy - Yoga tones the uterus, helps strengthen the body for labour, improves circulation, strengthens abdominal muscles. Pranayama and relaxation practices are good tools to use during labour. Yoga and Menopause - helps to bring balance to hormonal levels, great for strengthening bones, for retaining muscle tone and energy levels. Yoga and your Back - helps to correct poor posture, to strengthen muscles, to support the spine and correct any misalignment and tone the pelvis and abdominal muscles. Yoga and Aging - helps retain strength in muscle and bones, loosens joints, tones internal organs and improves digestion and balance. Yoga and Stress Management - Yoga is excellent for stretching out tight muscles; pranayama, relaxation and meditation help to release stress and emotions. Yoga and Anxiety - Pranayama to help with hyperventilation, relaxation practices to manage and release stress. Asanas help to use up excess energy and bring about a sense of steadiness and stability. Yoga and Asthma - Deepens the breath, improves posture, helps open the chest and helps remove congestion from the lungs. Yoga and Arthritis - helps to loosen the joints and keep them mobile, strengthens the muscles to help keep the joints aligned. Yoga helps to balance the immune system and to release the stress of rheumatism.