You may have noticed that over the past five years, there has been a great surge of interest in non-western practices to dealing with health issues. Todays bookshops are lined with sections of self-help bestsellers discussing how traditional eastern approaches such yoga, meditation, reiki, or tai chi are the key to leading a healthy, balanced life. We shall examine yoga in greater detail, particularly looking at why osteopaths recommend yoga to people with chronic physical ailments.
But what is yoga exactly, and how does it work? Yoga is a traditional Indian practice that dates back more than 5000 years. The term comes from the Sanskrit word Yuj, which means to join, unite, or integrate; yoga would have the purpose of integrating all aspects of the individual – body with mind and mind with soul. In order for these to be united, a balance had to be achieved between our emotions, actions, and intelligence ” and thats where yoga comes in.
Through a combination of body postures (or asanas) and breathing exercises (or pranayama), yoga aims to help us reach our maximum potential and to improve our quality of life. Yoga isnt a completely spiritual practice either: many westerners are using this technique as a way to centre themselves, relax, and ease their pain. Yoga might still be rooted in spirituality, but anyone can learn it if they are willing, because regardless of each persons reason for practicing yoga, the general outcome is the same: it makes you feel better.
Now lets take a closer look at what the benefits of yoga are to the body, and why many osteopaths are recommending it to their patients:
Yoga gets you into shape and boosts your stamina. It tones your muscles, and makes them stronger and more flexible.
It gets the flood flowing to all the areas that are in need of it most.
It cleanses the body from unwanted toxins, purifies your abdominal systems, and stimulates the immune system.
Some chronic conditions do not respond to western medicine, but do improve because of yoga
It helps prevent and treat symptoms that osteopaths have to deal with on a regular basis, including back pain, multiple sclerosis, arthritis, asthma, epilepsy, carpal tunnel syndrome, heart disease, and many others.
Yoga can also be beneficial on a psychological level. It is known to improve concentration levels, making it easier to get through long, tedious work days. Breathing techniques often help you become less stressed and lowers anxiety levels. And, if yoga is practiced regularly, you should start noticing changes in your mood, energy levels, and overall sense of well-being.
Indian Yogis have said it for thousands of years, and now the books and osteopaths are saying it: yoga helps you to feel better. So regardless of whether you are suffering from chronic neck pain, or are simply anxious and overworked, yoga is a practice you might want to adopt.
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