The Benefits of Yoga

Yoga has become increasingly popular throughout our country with more & more people aware of the practice and willing to give it a try.  But does it really work?  What exactly does yoga do outside of improving our flexibility?

 

As a physical therapist and yogi (a person who practices yoga), I became interested in learning more about the physiology and science behind yoga.  Was there actually literature out there to support the potential benefits?

The answer is “yes”.  A couple years ago, I took a continuing education course on yoga as it related to rehabilitation.  Here, I got the answers that I was looking for with research to support the claims.  Yoga’s apparent benefits were finally validated by science.

 

What I learned was that yoga has been found to be beneficial for a wide variety of conditions (in addition to the obvious benefits in strength, flexibility, and balance).  Yoga can also have a positive impact on: anxiety, pain, depression, sleep disturbances, cardiovascular conditions, and even immune conditions.

 

Here are a few highlights:

 

  • Yoga has a positive impact on hormone regulation. It helps lower cortisol levels, which in turn reduce pain-causing chemicals.
  • Yoga stimulates the vagal nerve via pressure recepors, which in turn has a positive effect on the immune system.
  • Yoga improves psychological functions including sleep, anxiety, and quality of life.
  • With regular practice, yoga has been effective in decreasing heart rate and blood pressure.

 

There you have it!  The science behind the art of yoga.  Of course, if you are experiencing a specific musculoskeletal or neurological injury, specific modifications and precautions will need to be considered before getting on the yoga mat.  Come schedule an appointment with us and I will be happy to help get you set up with an individualized program.

 

Melissa Meissner, PT, DPT


This blog provides general information and discussion about medicine, health and related subjects. The words and other content provided in this blog, and in any linked materials, are not intended and should not be construed as medical advice. If the reader or any other person has a medical concern, he or she should consult with an appropriately-licensed physician or other health care worker. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this blog or in any linked materials. If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your doctor or 911 immediately. The views expressed on this blog and website have no relation to those of any academic, hospital, practice or other institution with which the author is affiliated. Accessing, reading or otherwise using the Site does not create a physician-patient relationship between you and the Principal author. Providing personal or medical information to the Principal author does not create a physician-patient relationship between you and the Principal author or authors. Nothing contained in the Site is intended to establish a physician-patient relationship, to replace the services of a trained physician or health care professional, or otherwise to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.