It's safe to say at this point that yoga is more than a flash in the wellness pan or yet another fleeting fitness fad. After all, this ancient practice combining precise physical poses, deep breathing, and mental focus dates back over 5,000 years! If people have been practicing yoga for that long, there must be something to it.
One of the biggest factors separating yoga from other physical endeavors is that it's much more than a simple exercise or stretching routine. In fact, yoga is just as much a philosophy as it is a workout. At the core of yoga's message is the idea that body, mind, and spirit are all deeply and irreversibly interconnected. What's good for the body is also good for the spirit and so forth.
There are numerous varieties and "schools" of yoga, with some being far more difficult to perfect than others, but two of the most common variations are called "hatha yoga" and "vinyasa yoga." Usually recommended for beginners, hatha yoga is performed at a slow, deliberate pace and is a great way to acclimate oneself to basic yoga poses. Vinyasa yoga, on the other hand, moves at a faster pace and prioritizes harmonizing breathing and movement.
Many may be hesitant to try yoga for any number of reasons. Some are intimidated by the poses, while others may subscribe to the antiquated notion that yoga is only embraced by hippies and soccer moms. In reality, yoga is becoming more popular by the day. According to the National Institutes of Health, one in seven American adults practiced yoga in 2017! Yoga is well worth a try and offers benefits for anyone and everyone.
So what can a regular yoga regimen do for you? Read on to learn more about the secret effects of doing yoga every day! And next, don't miss Secret Tricks for Getting a Lean Body After 40.
The cardiovascular and heart-related benefits of more traditional forms of exercise like jogging and weightlifting are well-documented. You may be surprised to learn, though, that a daily yoga habit can also translate to major heart health benefits.
This research, presented by the European Society of Cardiology, concludes that a regular yoga routine can significantly relieve AFib symptoms. AFib, or atrial fibrillation, is considered the most common form of heart arrhythmia and is characterized by an irregular heartbeat, fatigue, chest pain, and an increased risk of even more serious heart events including heart attack and stroke. Over the course of a 12-week yoga program, over 500 AFib patients saw both symptom occurrence and severity improve significantly. Even better, many heart patients also enjoyed a notable reduction in blood pressure.
"A large number of studies show that yoga benefits many aspects of cardiovascular health," Hugh Calkins, M.D., director of the Cardiac Arrhythmia Service at Johns Hopkins, explained to Hopkins Medicine. "There's been a major shift in the last five years or so in the number of cardiologists and other professionals recognizing that these benefits are real."
Related:Sign up for our newsletterfor the latest Mind + Body news!
Depression is an incredibly complex condition, and we know by now that there is no single panacea that's going to put a smile on everyone's face. That being said, there is scientific reason to believe that yoga promotes positivity and can assist in treating and alleviating depression.
One study published in the Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine gathered together a group of 30 adults diagnosed with major depressive disorder (MDD) and instructed half to participate in either yoga or deep breathing classes seven days per week for a total of 12 weeks or to attend yoga/breathing classes five days per week for the same period.
"Think of it this way, we give medications in different doses in order to enact their effects on the body to varying degrees. Here, we explored the same concept, but used yoga," explains corresponding study author Chris Streeter, MD, an associate professor of psychiatry at Boston University. "We call that a dosing study. Past yoga and depression studies have not really delved deeply into this."
After just a single month, participants in both groups reported feeling much more positive, less depressive feelings, less anxiety, more tranquility, and improved sleep quality. Those who practiced more yoga were more likely to enjoy greater relief, but even the "low dose" yoga group experienced notable depression alleviation.
"The practical findings for this integrative health intervention is that it worked for participants who were both on and off antidepressant medications, and for those time-pressed, the two times per week dose also performed well," says The Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine Editor-in-Chief John Weeks.
An aching back is perhaps one of the most common complaints as one grows older, but yoga can help ease back pain as well. This research published in the Annals of Internal Medicine even reports a 12-week yoga course was just as helpful in terms of easing chronic back pain and improving function as 15 visits to a physical therapist! Moreover, the yoga students were still enjoying less back pain a full year afterward!
Meanwhile, another study released in the Cochrane Library came to similar conclusions after analyzing 12 relevant prior projects encompassing over 1,000 people. Study authors determined that roughly six months of yoga can potentially help improve back function and provide at least some back pain relief after just three months.
"We found that the practice of yoga was linked to pain relief and improvement in function," comments lead study author, L. Susan Wieland, PhD, MPH, Assistant Professor of Family & Community Medicine at the University of Maryland School of Medicine, and Coordinator of the Cochrane Complementary Medicine Field at the Center for Integrative Medicine at UM SOM. "For some patients suffering from chronic non-specific low back pain, yoga may be worth considering as a form of treatment."
Related:How Yoga Can Help You Lose Weight, According to Science
If you've been feeling particularly on edge or anxious lately, yoga may be a great way to calm those nerves and finally find elusive relaxation.
"There's no denying that exercise is good for mental health, research shows that yoga has both instant and long-term benefits on reducing anxiety and stress," explains NASM-certified PT Joshua Lafond, founder and editor at HealthyGymHabits. "Since this is the case, I always try to incorporate a yoga pose at the end of every client's workout. I know what you're thinking, yes I will even do this with my macho clients after their heavy weight lifting workouts."
Speaking of research, consider the findings of this study published in JAMA Psychiatry. Scientists conclude yoga is quite effective at treating various anxiety disorders, even more so than standard stress relief courses.
"Generalized anxiety disorder is a very common condition, yet many are not willing or able to access evidence-based treatments," notes lead study author & NYU professor Naomi M. Simon. "Our findings demonstrate that yoga, which is safe and widely available, can improve symptoms for some people with this disorder and could be a valuable tool in an overall treatment plan."
Related:This 25-Minute Walking Workout That Will Get You Toned
Besides yoga's potential mental health benefits, emerging research also suggests a habitual yoga routine can benefit the brain, boost thinking skills, and even prevent cognitive decline. This study released in Brain Plasticity indicates yoga is just as helpful to the mind as aerobic exercise. According to the work, both the hippocampus (responsible for memory) and amygdala (responsible for emotional regulation) tend to be larger among yoga practitioners.
That's not all, either: The prefrontal cortex is larger among people who practice yoga as well. "The prefrontal cortex, a brain region just behind the forehead, is essential to planning, decision-making, multitasking, thinking about your options, and picking the right option," says study leader and Wayne State University psychology professor Jessica Damoiseaux.
For more, check out 3 Major Secrets to Living to 99, According to Betty White.
More here:
- Understanding Menopause and its Symptoms | Menopause Treatment Options - Medriva - December 28th, 2023 [December 28th, 2023]
- Breast cancer survivor Jayne Pritchard talks alternative therapies over tea - MidlandToday - December 28th, 2023 [December 28th, 2023]
- 12 unusual ways Israelis are volunteering during the war - ISRAEL21c - December 28th, 2023 [December 28th, 2023]
- Complementary and alternative medicine - NHS - December 26th, 2022 [December 26th, 2022]
- Alternative Treatment (CAM) for MS: Types, Side Effects & Cost - December 26th, 2022 [December 26th, 2022]
- Complementary and alternative medicine | History & Facts - December 26th, 2022 [December 26th, 2022]
- Alternative medicine: Definition, examples, benefits, and risks - October 28th, 2022 [October 28th, 2022]
- Alternative Medicine: The Science Behind 10 Alternative Therapies - October 21st, 2022 [October 21st, 2022]
- Detoxification (alternative medicine) - Wikipedia - October 21st, 2022 [October 21st, 2022]
- Alternative Approaches to Mental Health and Wellbeing - Psychiatric Times - October 19th, 2022 [October 19th, 2022]
- New practice focuses on dental sleep medicine, providing an alternative for patients who use CPAP machines - PennLive - October 19th, 2022 [October 19th, 2022]
- Dr. Deepak Chopra Aligns with Plant-Based Therapeutics Company ProVEDA to Highlight Topical Pain Relief Solutions - Yahoo Finance - October 19th, 2022 [October 19th, 2022]
- True REST Float Spa Offers Free Floatation Therapy Session to Veterans - AccessWire - October 19th, 2022 [October 19th, 2022]
- Youve been told you need surgery for degenerative disc disease and stenosis of the spine. Now what? - Sonoran News - October 19th, 2022 [October 19th, 2022]
- Can you take Paxlovid and heart disease medications at the same time? - Medical News Today - October 15th, 2022 [October 15th, 2022]
- Kardashian fans think theyve unlocked Kourtneys secret to hiding her pregnancy after spotting key detai... - The US Sun - October 15th, 2022 [October 15th, 2022]
- Cabinet approves B5bn for 'Andaman International Health Center' - The Phuket News - October 15th, 2022 [October 15th, 2022]
- Eye health and dynamics of the modern world - The Citizen - October 15th, 2022 [October 15th, 2022]
- The Holistic Review on Occurrence, Biology, Diagnosis, and Treatment of Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma - Cureus - October 15th, 2022 [October 15th, 2022]
- 10 Deeper Causes of Tinnitus, and How to Treat It - The Epoch Times - October 15th, 2022 [October 15th, 2022]
- Complementary and Alternative Medicine (CAM) - GoodTherapy - October 13th, 2022 [October 13th, 2022]
- India's alternative medicine industry grows, boosted by COVID-19 pandemic - CNA - October 13th, 2022 [October 13th, 2022]
- QC Kinetix (Charlotte) Offers Alternative Treatments for Knee Pain and Sports Injuries - Yahoo Finance - October 13th, 2022 [October 13th, 2022]
- Plant Extracts Market is expected to generate a revenue of USD 85.09 Billion by 2030, Globally, at 6.33% CAGR: Verified Market Research - Yahoo... - October 13th, 2022 [October 13th, 2022]
- Neuroplasticity Nonsense Is Full of Red Flags - Science Based Medicine - October 13th, 2022 [October 13th, 2022]
- Diabetics won't be made to pay for alternative medicines, Pharmac says - Stuff - October 13th, 2022 [October 13th, 2022]
- Lili Reinhart Becomes A Reiki Master: My Journey Into Reiki Healing Cant Be Simplified - IMDb - October 13th, 2022 [October 13th, 2022]
- The DRIPBaR is Coming to Clarksville, TN on Oct 16, 2022 - PR Web - October 13th, 2022 [October 13th, 2022]
- How Dr. Oz Boosted an Osteopath Who Became a Top Spreader of Covid Misinformation Mother Jones - Mother Jones - October 13th, 2022 [October 13th, 2022]
- World Arthritis Day: Arthritis and Women - Times of India - October 13th, 2022 [October 13th, 2022]
- What Is Alternative Medicine? - American Cancer Society - October 6th, 2022 [October 6th, 2022]
- Herbal medicine: Types, uses, and safety - Medical News Today - October 6th, 2022 [October 6th, 2022]
- WCI Health LLC, Your Alternative Health and Wellness Hub Will Be a Vendor and Presenter at Wonderland Miami by Microdose - StreetInsider.com - October 6th, 2022 [October 6th, 2022]
- The Viral Real - Journal #130 October 2022 - E-Flux - October 6th, 2022 [October 6th, 2022]
- Pregabalin Market to Grow by USD 153.03 Mn from 2022 to 2026, Driven by Presence of Large Patient Pool Related To Neuropathic Pain - Technavio - Yahoo... - October 6th, 2022 [October 6th, 2022]
- Woman, 37, dies after herbal supplements led to liver failure: coroner - Insider - October 6th, 2022 [October 6th, 2022]
- What Is Vitiligo? All About This Unique Skin Condition That Impacts Skin Pigmentation, and How To Treat It - Parade Magazine - October 6th, 2022 [October 6th, 2022]
- Herbalist's Resource Guide to Cannabis and Other Plants That Can Prevent Cancer - PR Web - October 6th, 2022 [October 6th, 2022]
- Tasly Pharmaceuticals to Exhibit at BioJapan 2022 -- Bio-Pharmaceutical Company to Join with Maryland-Bas - Benzinga - October 6th, 2022 [October 6th, 2022]
- "Sh*t, I just want to get better. Thats what pushed me to do it, and it worked well" Chauncey Billups and other NBA stars on acupuncture -... - October 6th, 2022 [October 6th, 2022]
- People Science and Symbiome Partner to study the microbiome in the real world - Benzinga - October 6th, 2022 [October 6th, 2022]
- Bob Newhart Proves 93 Is the New 39 - Eat This, Not That - September 29th, 2022 [September 29th, 2022]
- Medical cannabis could be better alternative to opioids in managing pain - The Tribune India - September 29th, 2022 [September 29th, 2022]
- Woman killed by herbal remedies she took to treat arthritis - Evening Standard - September 29th, 2022 [September 29th, 2022]
- Get To Know The Best Natural Adderall Alternatives - Over The Counter and Non Prescription - Outlook India - September 29th, 2022 [September 29th, 2022]
- King Charles III Has a History of Promoting 'Quackery' Alternative Medicine - Newsweek - September 9th, 2022 [September 9th, 2022]
- Remedy Place: The Fashionable Social Wellness Club Where You Can Bring All Your Friends - Vogue - September 9th, 2022 [September 9th, 2022]
- Thailand heightens its healthcare hub ambition with integrative medicine - PR Newswire UK - September 9th, 2022 [September 9th, 2022]
- How bogus cancer treatments prey on the most vulnerable - Coda Story - September 9th, 2022 [September 9th, 2022]
- Management of Chronic Migraine in Children and Adolescents | PHMT - Dove Medical Press - September 9th, 2022 [September 9th, 2022]
- Mouth Taping: Is It Safe? - Health Essentials - September 9th, 2022 [September 9th, 2022]
- Queen Elizabeth: Seven things you need to know about the Queens passing - Toronto Star - September 9th, 2022 [September 9th, 2022]
- Building an Alternative Medical Economy in Response to 'Tyranny': Telehealth CEO - The Epoch Times - August 30th, 2022 [August 30th, 2022]
- Sesame oil: Nutrition, benefits, and more - Medical News Today - August 30th, 2022 [August 30th, 2022]
- Regenerative Medicine: An alternative to surgery and pills | Loop Cayman Islands - Loop News Cayman - August 30th, 2022 [August 30th, 2022]
- Find Euphoria: the luxury Greek spa retreat to visit now - Tatler - August 30th, 2022 [August 30th, 2022]
- What Is Synthetic Urine & How Does It Help To Pass A Drug Test? - The Island Now - August 30th, 2022 [August 30th, 2022]
- The science behind the healthtech startup must be understood well - Express Healthcare - August 30th, 2022 [August 30th, 2022]
- Best-in-class second-line HIV treatment rolls out in Zambia and Nigeria - Clinton Health Access Initiative - August 30th, 2022 [August 30th, 2022]
- Therapeutic effect of HFNC and NIV in patients with AECOPD | COPD - Dove Medical Press - August 30th, 2022 [August 30th, 2022]
- Five years after Kymriah: Ensuring the next cell and gene therapies reach patients - STAT - August 30th, 2022 [August 30th, 2022]
- Meet these renowned healthcare professionals who assist us in leading healthier lives - Oneindia - August 30th, 2022 [August 30th, 2022]
- Diet and Vitiligo: The Story So Far - Cureus - August 29th, 2022 [August 29th, 2022]
- Fatphobia Sucks, Especially If You're Trying to Have a Baby - VICE - August 29th, 2022 [August 29th, 2022]
- Orthomolecular Medicine, A Predictive Tool - Nation World News - August 29th, 2022 [August 29th, 2022]
- COVID-19 vaccines and the Nuremberg Code - Science Based Medicine - August 29th, 2022 [August 29th, 2022]
- Bolstering the Blood-CNS Barrier Could Lead to New Treatment Approach for Multiple Sclerosis - University of Utah Health Care - August 29th, 2022 [August 29th, 2022]
- Lockdowns Postponed the Inevitable. Is That a Bad Thing? - Science Based Medicine - August 29th, 2022 [August 29th, 2022]
- The Impact of Complementary and Alternative Medicine on Insomnia: A Systematic Review - Cureus - August 27th, 2022 [August 27th, 2022]
- Ayurveda As Alternative Medicine: Research And Development To Be Taken Ahead By Heal In India - Entrepreneur - August 27th, 2022 [August 27th, 2022]
- French Doctolib platform accused of 'promoting alternative medicine' - The Connexion - August 27th, 2022 [August 27th, 2022]
- Chronic Fatigue Syndrome: Best Ways for Treating This Condition - Healthline - August 27th, 2022 [August 27th, 2022]
- Ellen White reveals "traumatic" incident that played huge role in her retirement - GIVEMESPORT - August 27th, 2022 [August 27th, 2022]
- Curcumin and Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma: Does It Help? - Healthline - August 27th, 2022 [August 27th, 2022]
- In Denial: When Patients Don't Want to Believe They Have Cancer - Medscape - August 27th, 2022 [August 27th, 2022]
- Piotr Szyhalski depicts living through COVID-19 and other extreme historical phenomena - MinnPost - August 27th, 2022 [August 27th, 2022]
- Researchers identify chemo alternative for targeted treatment of leukemia patients - Devdiscourse - August 27th, 2022 [August 27th, 2022]
- India Can Show The World The Right Path For Medical Pluralism - News18 - August 27th, 2022 [August 27th, 2022]
- Complementary and Integrative Medicine - Reeve Foundation - Christopher Reeve Foundation - August 23rd, 2022 [August 23rd, 2022]
- Back pain: Exploring alternative treatments - Health - Life & Style - Ahram Online - August 23rd, 2022 [August 23rd, 2022]