Читать книгу Yoga Therapy as a Whole-Person Approach to Health - Lee Majewski - Страница 29

Yoga produces a stable autonomic nervous system equilibrium, with a tendency toward parasympathetic nervous system dominance rather than the usual stress-induced sympathetic nervous system dominance. This is of great potential in psychosomatic stress-related illnesses. Cardiovascular and cardiorespiratory efficiency increases. Heart rate and blood pressure decrease, leading to a reduced load on the heart. Respiratory rate decreases with improved respiratory efficiency. The amplitude and smoothness of respiration increases, along with all parameters of pulmonary function such as tidal volume, vital capacity, and breath-holding time. EEG alpha waves increase. Theta, delta, and beta waves also increase during various stages of meditation. Gastrointestinal and endocrine functions normalize, with improvement in excretory functions. Musculoskeletal flexibility and joint range of motion increase. Posture improves with improvement in strength, resiliency, and endurance. Body weight normalizes and sleep improves, with increased energy levels, and immunity increases with improved ability for pain tolerance.