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benefits of meditation
	physiological Deep rest-as measured by decreased metabolic rate, lower heart rate, and reduced work load of the heart Autonomous nervous system stabilises Cortisol and lactate levels decrease -two chemicals associated with stress Free radicals decrease - unstable oxygen molecules that can cause tissue damage Activity in the front cortex and the pariental lobe decreases Left and right brain halves start to cooperate better EEG - theta waves, delta waves and alpha waves become more active and beta waves (associated with active thinking) decrease Production of serotenine increases Blood pressure decreases Endocrine functions improve Higher skin resistance - low skin resistance is correlated with higher stress and anxiety levels Cholesterol decreases Stability improves EMG activity increases Air flow to the lungsiimproves resulting in easier breathing Decreases the aging process Higher levels of DHEAS in the elderly - an additional sign of youthfulness

	phychological Brain wave coherence increases Greater creativity Anxiety & depression decrease Irritability and moodiness decrease Learning ability and memory improves Self-actualization & self-acceptance increases Increased feelings of vitality and rejuvenation Happiness increases Emotional stability increases Relazation response increases Concentration, memory & attention improves Self-discipline increases

	spiritual Awareness of personal and spiritual growth increases Compassion state increases Experience a sense of oneness Heightened sense of unconditional love Deeper understanding of the infinite Overall experience of well-being Deeper understanding of fulfillment and purpose Sense of completion increases Intuition and psychic abilities increase Experience peace of mind Emotional and mental detachment Awareness of inner self increases Experience the power and consciousness beyond the ego Discovery of one's true being

benefits of yoga
	physiological Stable autonomic nervous system equilibrium Pulse rate decreases Respiratory rate decreases Blood Pressure decreases (of special significance for hyporeactors) Galvanic Skin Response increases EEG - alpha, theta & delta waves increase EMG activity decreases Cardiovascular efficiency increases Respiratory efficiency increases Gastrointestinal function normalizes Endocrine function normalizes Excretory functions improve Musculoskeletal flexibility and joint range of motion increase Breath retention time increases Joint range of motion increase Grip strength increases Eye-hand coordination improves Dexterity skills improve Reaction time improves Posture & balance improves Strength and resiliency increase Endurance & energy level increases Weight normalizes Sleep improves Immunity increases Pain decreases Steadiness improves Depth perception improves Integrated functioning of body parts improves

	psychological Somatic and kinesthetic awareness increase Mood improves and subjective well-being increases Self-acceptance and self-actualization increase Social adjustment increases Anxiety and depression decrease Hostility decreases Concentration improves Memory & attention improves Learning efficiency improves Symbol coding improves Depth perception improves Flicker fusion frequency improves

	biochemical Glucose decreases Sodium decreases Total cholesterol decreases Triglycerides decrease HDL cholesterol increases LDL & VDL cholesterol decreases Cholinesterase increases Catecholamines decrease ATPase increases Hematocrit & hemoglobin increases Lymphocyte count increases Total white blood cell count decreases Vitamin C & thyroxin increases Total serum protein increases

benefits of pranayama
	physiological Immune system strengthens Lung capacity increases VO2 Max increases (the efficient use of oxygen in the body) Physical control of the body increases Purifies & detoxifies the body Opens the Nadis & removes blockages to energy flow in the body Metabolic & endocrine systems balance Nervous system is cleansed and toned Relieves pain caused by compression of nerve endings Respiratory system strengthens Oxygenates the blood & purges the lungs of residual carbon dioxide Function of organs improve Digestion improves Hypertension decreases ATP production increases (chemical basis of energy production in the body)

	psychological Calms and steadies the mind Focus and concentration improves Emotional control and equilibrium Stress reduces

Portions of this article were contributed by: www.abc-of-yoga.com