The ancient art of yoga has become a popular therapeutic treatment option in modern holistic medicine. It may be recommended for common problems such as headaches, back pain, anxiety and even depression. There are many styles of yoga, which can be customized for almost any level of fitness. While natural practices such as yoga are generally considered safe, beginners should always check with a health care professional before starting this or any fitness program.
History
Yoga, meaning to yoke or unite, originated in ancient India and is still practiced throughout the world today. According to the American Yoga Association, archeologists have found depictions of yoga postures carved into stones, which are estimated to be at least 5,000 years old. Originally, yoga was more than just a form of physical fitness, but a philosophical practice that included dietary laws and a code of ethics. The eight limbs or steps of classical yoga include: physical and moral restraint, observance or mental purity, physical exercise, breath control, withdrawal of the mind, concentration, meditation and self-realization. It is the practices of physical and breathing exercises which are often incorporated into natural healing therapies today.
Types
Anciently, yoga was categorized into five groups: Hatha, or physical movement; Raja, which includes meditation and study; Jnana, or the path of wisdom; Bhakti, which is devotion to God; and Karma, or the practice of right living. Modern yoga classes emphasize hatha yoga, mainly physical exercise. Popular styles of yoga today go by several names. Hatha yoga is the most common type. Ashtanga, which requires greater physical strength and agility, also sometimes goes by the name "power yoga." Iyengar yoga focuses on proper alignment and form. Bikram yoga, also known as "hot yoga," is practiced at 100 degrees. This last type is sometimes used in holistic medicine for cleansing and detoxification purposes.
Effects
Yoga and holistic health practitioners use specific yoga exercises to treat different health-related issues. According to "Yoga Journal," back bends such as bridge pose are used therapeutically to improve digestion, relieve symptoms of menopause as well as menstrual discomfort and to reduce fatigue, backache and headaches. Twisting postures, such as half-lord of the fishes pose, are used to stimulate the liver and kidneys, stretch the shoulders, hips, and neck, energize the spine, stimulate digestion and relieve fatigue and backaches.
Expert Insight
Yoga is one of the most widely studied natural therapies. "Oxford Journals" has published more than 900 articles and studies relating to yoga in the past. In "A Review of Yoga Programs for Four Leading Risk Factors of Chronic Disease," researcher Kyeongra Yang of the University of Pittsburg reviewed 32 studies relating to yoga's effect on health, and discovered that research has shown yoga to be beneficial in the treatment and prevention of certain common health-related problems, including obesity, high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes and high cholesterol. The research points out, however, that the long-term effects and adherence to prescribed plans were not followed in most cases.
Misconceptions and Considerations
Although many yoga methods and classes involve meditation and the chanting of mantras, the practice of yoga is not necessarily religious. As the American Yoga Association points out, it was not until later in history that Hinduism, the religion of ancient India, began to include yoga practices. People of all walks of life and religions use yoga today for stress management, healing purposes and disease prevention. However, natural therapies such as yoga and meditation should be used in conjunction with, and not in place of, conventional medicine.
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