What yoga does to your body and brain | Krishna Sudhir

In the TED-Ed YouTube video “What Yoga Does to Your Body and Brain” by Krishna Sudhir, the speaker traces the origins and evolution of yoga from the 1st to 5th century CE when the sage Patañjali codified ancient meditative practices in the Yoga Sutras. The primary aim was to yoke the mind from external distractions to reach a state of pure consciousness.

Over time, yoga incorporated physical elements, evolving into diverse modern practices, while retaining core elements: physical postures, breathing exercises, and spiritual contemplation. Despite the difficulty in isolating specific health benefits due to varied techniques and subjective self-reporting, yoga’s blend of physical and mental exercises is believed to enhance strength, flexibility, heart and lung function, and psychological well-being.

Scientific support shows yoga improves flexibility and strength through regular stretching and has therapeutic benefits for various musculoskeletal disorders. It is also beneficial for lung health by relaxing constricted passageways and increasing blood oxygen content. Additionally, yoga may help manage stress, though conclusive evidence on its effects on depression and anxiety remains limited. Future research aims to provide deeper insights into yoga’s impact on heart disease, cancer, cognitive function, and more, but for now, yoga remains a valuable practice for exercise, reflection, and relaxation.