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Alternative Therapy - Yoga

Yoga is an ancient form of mind and body exercise. While yoga originated as a deeply spiritual practice, for many people in the United States, yoga is considered a type of exercise with no spiritual element. Yoga uses a combination of physical poses, breathing techniques, and meditation or visualization. Among the many types of alternative therapies available, it is one of the more widely used.

Health Benefits of Yoga

There are a variety of health benefits associated with yoga. Yoga's gentle meditative poses calm the central nervous system, which can help lower blood pressure, reduce stress, improve coordination and flexibility, and improve quality of sleep.

The health benefits of yoga are available even for practitioners that do not mediate or otherwise implement the spiritual side of a yoga practice. The gentle exercises are excellent for those who suffer from back problems, as well as those who need to implement an exercise program. Some forms of yoga, such as power yoga or bikrim yoga, involve a more rigorous workout and may not be best for those who are pregnant, dehydrated, or sick.

Who Can Benefit From Yoga?

It is generally considered that anyone can benefit from yoga. Yoga is a proven way to reduce stress, improve sleep, and relieve anxiety. Even for the perfectly healthy individual, yoga (when combined with cardiovascular exercise and a weight training program) provides undeniable benefits. A solid exercise program has been proven to reduce the health risks associated with obesity, prevent the loss of bone mass and muscle mass, and help maintain healthy cholesterol and blood pressure levels.

For people suffering with chronic illness, such as cancer, arthritis or diabetes, a specialized yoga practice can be implemented to meet specific needs. Cancer patients suffering from fatigue and muscle soreness can benefit from a gentle yoga practice that can energize and restore the body. Arthritis sufferers experience relief from a yoga program developed to increase the range of motion in affected joints.

Developing a Yoga Practice

Developing a regular yoga practice is an excellent way to integrate yoga into an established schedule. Many people find that a 30- to 60-minute session once a week goes a long way toward increasing flexibility and reducing stress levels. Other people find that a short 10-minute session first thing in the morning and again before bed on a daily basis is better for their schedule and body.

Make sure to attend a few professional classes before practicing alone, which provides instruction for proper form under the supervision of an experienced instructor.

Working With Your Doctor

Those suffering from a chronic or acute illness who would like to start a yoga practice as a form of alternative therapy should take the time to discuss the situation with a physician. Pregnant women are advised to avoid postures that may put pressure on the uterus. In addition to speaking with a physician, patients should make their yoga instructor aware of any physical ailments. While there are many yoga instructors that specialize in therapeutic yoga, they can be hard to find and may not be conveniently located. For a referral, ask a medical professional about local yoga classes and instructors.

Sources:

1. http://nccam.nih.gov/
2. http://www.cancer.org/docroot/ETO/content/ETO_5_3X_Yoga.asp

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