Yoga was first practiced by Hindus in India more than 5,000 years ago.
It is a mind-body exercise that combines spiritual traditions with physical movements. These movements, known as "postures," involve deep stretching and meditation. The word yoga means "union" in the ancient Indian language of Sanskrit.
Various yoga styles have evolved over the centuries. These include hatha, mantra, shiva, siddha and bhakti. Each type of yoga stresses a different aspect of the mind/body relationship.
Hatha yoga is the most well known type of yoga in the U.S. Its postures and breathing exercises focus on concentration, endurance, flexibility and stretching.
Yoga moves are meant to be gentle. Most people of any age can do at least a modified form of yoga. There are both sitting and standing postures, and many can be done in a wheelchair.
Before you begin
When the body is controlled through yoga's careful positions and stretching movements, muscles relax and circulation improves. This in turn can release tension and stress.
There has been promising research on the health benefits of regular yoga practice. Some hospitals even offer "yoga therapy" as a complementary treatment.
You'll need to talk to your doctor before trying yoga if you:
* Are pregnant
* Have heart disease, high blood pressure or a risk of blood clots
* Have osteoporosis or an artificial joint
Also, see your doctor if you have been inactive or have any other medical problems. You may need to avoid certain yoga positions depending on your physical or medical condition as well.
Yoga books, videotapes, CDs and Web sites abound, but it is probably best to start by taking a class. Many health clubs and YMCAs employ yoga instructors, as do some hospitals. A skilled instructor will help you use proper form and avoid injury. A teacher can also tailor the yoga positions to your personal needs or limitations.
Health benefits of yoga
In addition to reducing stress, benefits of yoga may include:
* Increased flexibility and balance. Increased range of motion and steadiness means you're less likely to fall or injure yourself in your daily activities.
* Enhanced well-being for people with cancer or another serious illness. Doing yoga may foster a sense of well-being and improve quality of life.
* Weight loss. Yoga is a sound adjunct to any weight-loss program. It has even been shown to promote gradual weight loss when combined with aerobic exercise, and is great for strength and toning.
* Help in dealing with chronic health problems. The breathing and relaxation methods used in yoga might help if stress is making your medical condition worse.
A few more tips
* Don't expect instant results. While you will probably feel relaxed and peaceful after your first session, it can take weeks of yoga practice before you begin to reap any significant health benefits.
* Avoid competition. Some people in your class will be more flexible than you are or able to hold the postures longer. Don't try to out-posture anyone. Yoga is all about the journey, not the destination.
* Don't push too hard. Some days you'll be more flexible than others. Progress in yoga seldom follows a smooth curve.
* Be alert to pain. If you feel pain while doing yoga postures, it's probably a sign that you are doing it improperly. Stop and ask an instructor for advice.
* Practice what you learn. Carve out at least 15 or 20 minutes daily to practice your yoga postures.
While yoga may help ease symptoms of a host of ailments, there is no evidence that it cures any disease. If you are seeking yoga as therapy, it should be to enhance - not replace - any treatments your doctor prescribes.
source: myOptumHealth
No comments:
Post a Comment