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Yoga is widely known for its benefits like improved flexibility, strength, and mental clarity. However, it also offers several lesser-known advantages that can significantly enhance overall well-being.

I started doing yoga when I opened my first business and having employees began to stress me out. I didn’t have any preconceived notions about yoga, I just tried it. How did I know it was working? When my attorney said to me one day, “I can tell you did your yoga today because you’re calmer.” You mean I’m a raging, crazy person without it?

Here are five obscure benefits of yoga:

1 — Enhanced Lymphatic System Function

The lymphatic system plays a crucial role in the body’s immune response by removing toxins and waste. Unlike the cardiovascular system, the lymphatic system doesn’t have a pump (like the heart) and relies on movement and muscle contraction to circulate lymph fluid. Yoga poses, especially inversions and twists, stimulate the lymphatic system, helping to detoxify the body, boost immunity, and reduce swelling.

The detoxify word is thrown around a lot. But, how I like to remember it is: Toxins are bad. Getting rid of toxins is good.

2 — Improved Digestive Health

Certain yoga poses can significantly aid digestion by stimulating the digestive organs and enhancing gut motility. Poses like twists, forward bends, and specific asanas such as Pavanamuktasana (Wind-Relieving Pose) massage the internal organs, promoting better digestion and alleviating issues like bloating, constipation, and indigestion. Regular yoga practice can also reduce stress, a major contributor to digestive disorders.

In layman’s speak, yoga helps our bodies get the lead out and the poop out.

3 — Better Proprioception and Balance

Yoga enhances proprioception, which is the body's ability to sense its position and movements in space. Improved proprioception translates to better coordination and balance, reducing the risk of falls and injuries, particularly in older adults. Balancing poses like Tree Pose (Vrksasana) and Warrior III (Virabhadrasana III) train the body to maintain stability and awareness, leading to better overall physical control.

I didn’t even know what Proprioception was until I did research for this article!!!

But, I will say, I feel strong when I’m doing the Tree Pose and the Warrior Pose. Those two poses make me say, “Come on world, give me what you got!

4 —Enhanced Creativity and Problem-Solving Skills

Yoga’s focus on mindfulness and deep breathing can boost creativity and problem-solving abilities. By calming the mind and reducing mental clutter, yoga allows for clearer and more innovative thinking. The meditative aspects of yoga can lead to enhanced cognitive flexibility, allowing individuals to think outside the box and approach problems from new perspectives.

I am calmer after doing yoga.

If I’ve been angry prior to doing yoga, I know that it calms me down. It’s the dimmer switch of my mind. I like that.

5— Reduced Symptoms of Chronic Pain Conditions

Yoga can be particularly beneficial for individuals suffering from chronic pain conditions such as fibromyalgia, arthritis, and lower back pain. Gentle yoga practices increase blood flow to affected areas, reduce muscle tension, and improve joint health. Moreover, the mental aspects of yoga, including mindfulness and relaxation techniques, help manage pain perception and reduce the psychological burden of chronic pain.

These benefits highlight yoga's comprehensive impact on the body and mind, making it a valuable practice for holistic health and well-being. I love that I’ve incorporated yoga into my life and believe others would love it too.