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What yoga does to your body and brain - Krishna Sudhir

TED-Ed · 6:02

In this practice

Key teachings

  • The blend of physical postures, breathing exercises, and spiritual contemplation for holistic health
  • Yoga as 'unification' or restraint of the mind to achieve mental clarity

Ideal for

  • Individuals seeking holistic health and wellness
  • Those looking to improve physical flexibility and mobility
  • People managing chronic pain, stress, or seeking mental clarity
  • Anyone interested in the scientific benefits of yoga

Lesson

Instructions

Explore the ancient tradition of yoga, and discover how its blend of physical and mental exercise impacts your health.

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There are many different approaches to modern yoga— though most forms have three core elements: physical postures, breathing exercises, and spiritual contemplation.This blend of physical and mental exercise is widely believed to have a unique set of health advantages. But is yoga actually beneficial to your health? Krishna Sudhir examines how this ancient tradition impacts the body and mind.

Lesson by Krishna Sudhir, directed by Zsuzsanna Kreif.

Thank you so much to our patrons for your support! Without you this video would not be possible! Katrina Harding, Gerald Onyango, alessandra tasso, Astia Rizki Safitri, Côme Vincent, Antony Lee, Melissa Sorrells, Rakshit Kothari, Doreen Reynolds-Consolati, Simon Holst Ravn, Manognya Chakrapani, Ayala Ron, Samantha Chow, Philippe Spoden, Phyllis Dubrow, Michelle Stevens-Stanford, Cas Jamieson, Ophelia Gibson Best, Amber Wood, Paul Schneider, Jun Cai, Tim Robinson, Henrique 'Sorín' Cassús, cnorahs, Lyn-z Schulte, Elaine Fitzpatrick, Karthik Cherala, Clarence E. Harper Jr., Milad Mostafavi, Аркадий Скайуокер, Kiara Taylor, Louisa Lee, eden sher, Vignan Velivela, Sage Curie, Srikote Naewchampa, Tejas Dc, Khalifa Alhulail, Faiza Imtiaz, Martin Stephen, Jerome Froelich, Dan Paterniti, Jose Henrique Leopoldo e Silva, Mullaiarasu Sundaramurthy, Elnathan Joshua Bangayan, Caleb ross, Duo Xu, Quinn Shen, Marvin Vizuett and Sid.

Steps

  • Physical postures (asanas) for stretching and strengthening
  • Breathing exercises (pranayama) for respiratory and cardiovascular health
  • Spiritual contemplation/meditation for mental well-being

Benefits

  • Improved flexibility and joint health
  • Enhanced cardiovascular and respiratory function
  • Reduced chronic pain (e.g., lower back pain, arthritis)
  • Decreased stress, anxiety, and improved mental well-being

Practice summary

Level
all levels
Duration
6 minutes
Equipment
yoga mat
Target areas
Musculoskeletal system (muscles, joints, spine)Respiratory systemCardiovascular systemNervous system and mindFull body flexibility
Energy
balancing

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