3 Health Problems Yoga Can Fix
June 9th, 2009 5:59 amResearch Shows
Do you practice yoga? Did you know that despite the challenges of researching the health benefits of yoga, many good-quality studies are beginning to emerge, and the results are interesting.
L. Lipton a yogi for over 15 years, looks at the studies and explains what they mean.
Back Pain
Can yoga prevent back pain? In a recent study a yoga instructor taught a weekly 75-minute yoga practice for the yoga treatment group, who also received flyers and a CD for home exercise. At the end of the trial period, the yoga group showed more improvement than the other two groups in the trial.
The Take-Home Message. A regular practice of specific viniyoga poses has been shown to improve some symptoms of back pain. If you have been diagnosed with routine back strain, practice yoga gently and don’t attempt poses that require extreme twisting or vigorous spinal extension, as these can put a lot of strain on the spinal disks and nerve roots. Severe or constant back pain should be evaluated by your physician.
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
Is yoga an effective for this problem? Research suggests that after just 8 weeks of yoga, participants may report significantly reduced pain compared with other participants who wore wrist splints. The researchers have concluded that yoga can provide a “significant short-term benefit” for people with carpal tunnel syndrome.
The Take-Home Message. A regular practice of specific yoga poses with a focus on the upper body has been shown to improve some symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome. If you suffer from carpal tunnel syndrome, you may modify yoga poses and hand positions as needed to minimize wrist strain. Ask your instructor for guidance.
Osteoarthritis
Could yoga be a good exercise option for individuals with osteoarthritis (OA)? In another recent study, it took just eight weekly yoga treatments to show improvement in all of the people who participated. They all showed a reduction in knee pain and stiffness.
