Though they are only one of Yoga's many tools for influencing the mind, Yogasana-s also have other benefits that are worthy of consideration. Primary among these is their influence on the health and wellbeing of their practitioners, particularly in the domains of physiological and psychological wellbeing. 

Our body's vital organs need to function efficiently in order to generate and distribute vital energy to every part of our system, so that we remain healthy and fulfill our daily responsibilities in the best possible manner. Among many factors that influence the efficient functioning of the internal organs, the Yogin-s of the past believed that two factors played key roles. One was the proper alignment of the spine, and the other was the appropriate distance between internal organs. Further, proper spinal alignment was believed to influence the spacing between the internal organs. 

Adi Shankara (early 8th century) is known as one of the main proponents of Advaita Vedanta, one of the six main philosophies of Indian thought. He was also a great yoga master and wrote a book called Yoga Taravali which explains the different stages and how to reach the highest state of yoga, Raja Yoga. Tara means star and a star is defined as something that shines on its own (unlike the moon for example which in astronomical terms is a satellite and only lit by reflecting the sunlight) . Avali is a line of stars. Thus Yoga Taravali represents a line of teachings (and a lineage of teachers) that serve like shining lights on the path of any serious practitioner.

Despite much advancement in modern technology, the complexity of the human construct is still a reality that we are all confronted with. Even as science embraces the intricate psychosomatic nature of the body and its functions, and continues extensive research on the same, a simplistic understanding still seems elusive.