Yoga works on the whole person, bringing mind and body into harmony. The postures demand enormous concentration and stilling of the mind. Yoga and psychotherapy have several similarities. The goal of both practises is to bring the person into harmony with the environment, both human and material. Both practices  work on the principle of self-knowledge, which can be channelled into a positive lifestyle.

• Cardiovascular system: The most well-known studies of the Eastern medical practices of meditation and yoga along with a vegetarian diet show positive cardiovascular effects.

• Asthma: A traditional yoga system of meditation and breathing, Sahaja yoga, has been studied in poorly controlled asthma in adults.

• Respiratory System: Yoga promotes postures to facilitate lung expansion.

• Anxiety: Yoga breathing techniques help to calm anxiety and facilitate muscle relaxation.

• Obesity: Some yoga postures, besides expending calories and mobilizing bone and soft tissue structures, are thought to stimulate the thyroid gland and reduce fat accumulation in specific areas.

• Diabetes mellitus: Yoga is believed to improve blood circulation, enhance the activity of the pancreas, stimulate insulin secretion, promote digestion, and help with disease control.

• Balance: In the light of research yoga is improving a person’s balance.

• Back pain: Weekly yoga classes are reducing back pain.

• Other effects: Meditation is believed to improve oxygen use.