Physical and Mental

In numerous studies yoga has proven helpful in reducing back pain. It's the physical part as well as the relaxation incurred that reduces pain.. 

Yoga works at reducing pain because it is so effective in dealing with stress. Enduring pain keeps your body's stress response system stuck in the "on" position. When you're stressed out, you breathe more quickly and erratically. Muscles tense -  mood plummets. All making pain worse. Yoga, starting with simple breathing exercises, can reliably shift the body from the flight-or-fight stress reaction to relaxation.  Postures are then done that safely stretch and strengthen back and core muscles.

http://blog.gaiam.com/blog/got-back-pain-yoga-can-help-3-tips-2-how-to-videos/

http://yogauonline.com/yogatherapy/yoga-for-back-pain/977011713-yoga-may-prevent-degenerative-disc-disease

http://www.vancouversun.com/health/Yoga+breathing+relaxation+techniques+ease+chronic+pain+expert+says/7776722/story.html

                   Mental Benefits of Yoga

• Releases anxiety -  discharges frenetic energy, while infusing  power and abundance

• Instills positive energy

• Relieves mental and psychological stress

• Improves concentration,  mental clarity and function

• Cultivates peace and equanimity within

Yoga teaches us how to slow down and choose how we respond to situations, as opposed to mindlessly reacting.  

This feeling spills over into our daily lives and we discover our personal power.