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This is the final piece in a series of articles examining the science behind alternative medicine. Today's focus is the scientific validation of yoga. Yoga stems from Ayurveda, an ancient system of medicine from India. The practice of yoga involves much more than stretching and postures (called asanas), but includes the use of meditation and vibration. There are six facets or paths of yoga:
- Hatha yoga - movement of prana through asana practice
- Raja yoga - concentration and mind control through meditation
- Bhakti yoga - the practice of devotion
- Jnana yoga - the search for truth through inquiry
- Karma yoga - the practice of detachment through selfless acts
- Nada Yoga - the use of sound and vibration
(See Sri Yogi Hari and the Sampoorna Yoga method for in-depth details)
Each of these elements is a vital part of yoga. Most yogis recognize the many health benefits of regular practice, and now there is recent scientific evidence to support their claims. According to studies done by National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine (NCCAM) and the National Institute of Health (NIH), "Yoga is generally considered to be safe in healthy people when practiced appropriately. Studies have found it to be well tolerated, with few side effects".
According to one study done at the Columbia College of Physicians and Surgeons on yogic breathing techniques, yoga [was found] to be a beneficial, low-risk, low-cost adjunct to the treatment of stress, anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression, stress-related medical illnesses, substance abuse, and rehabilitation of criminal offenders". It has also been shown to be beneficial in enhancing cardiorespiratory performance and helps create and overall sense of well being, most likely due to increased melatonin secretions. (Defense Institute of Physiology and Allied Sciences).
NCCAM and NIH is currently researching the effects of yoga for:
- Blood pressure
- Chronic low-back pain
- Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
- Depression
- Diabetes risk
- HIV
- Immune function
- Inflammatory arthritis and knee osteoarthritis
- Insomnia
- Multiple sclerosis
- Smoking cessation.
The health benefits of yoga are significant, and scientists are really just beginning to research its effects on a wide variety of conditions. While more studies are still needed, evidence so far suggests that the real benefits are obtained through consistent, regular practice under the supervision of a trained professional. When trying yoga for the first time, seek out instructors who are Certified Yoga Teachers (CYT) or whose programs are Yoga Alliance Certified.
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