This article is written by a student writer from the Her Campus at Rhodes chapter.

According to the latest Yoga in America study conducted by Yoga Journal, the number of Americans who practice yoga has increased by roughly 30% in the past four years. Today, nearly 20.4 million Americans practice yoga. So what is all the craze really about? Well here are just eight of the countless health benefits that yoga has to offer!

Eight Health Benefits of Yoga

1. Reduced back pain – Many recent studies have revealed that regular yoga practitioners have noted less chronic back pain.

2. A better night’s sleep – Harvard Medical School researchers discovered that in their study, participants who had practiced yoga breathing and techniques had significantly improved sleep efficiency, total sleep time, total wake time, sleep onset, and wake time after sleep onset.

3. An improved mood – Sixteen significant studies examining the effects of yoga on mental illnesses all concluded that yoga may offer positive effects of depressed patients even when not on medications.

4. Increased flexibility and increased range of motion in joints (Obviously)

5. Boosts to your immune system – In a recent Norwegian study, researchers found that yoga practice can actually result in cellular level changes to your DNA that can boost immunity.

6. Fewer migraines- Three months of yoga may be the answer for treating migraines according this study.

7. Reduced food cravings – In a study conducted by researchers at the University of Washington, regular yoga practice is often accompanied with mindful eating. Awareness while you eat can help reduce emotional eating.

8. Increased self confidence – According to a yoga instructor by the name of Carol Rossi, “confidence can be developed the second you challenge yourself. The practice of yoga poses is a mirror for the practice of life, [and] so over time you will find yourself more confident in situations off the mat.”

Harvard Study: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/15707256

Norwegian Study: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23613970

University of Washington Study: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19631053

Other Sources Used:

http://www.bostonmagazine.com/health/blog/2013/02/12/yoga-poses-better-sleep/

http://dailyburn.com/life/fitness/health-benefits-yoga/

http://www.abc-of-yoga.com/beginnersguide/yogabenefits.asp

http://www.womenshealthmag.com/yoga/yoga-to-build-self-esteem#.