Yoga is included in this discussion because of its roots in ancient eastern meditative practices and use of terms involving mystical energy. Because of such, alternative medicine proponents may over-promote its value.
Yoga is a form of non-aerobic exercise that involves a program of precise posture, breathing exercises, and meditation. In ancient Sanskrit, the word yoga means "union."
Yoga is promoted as a system of personal development. It is a way of life that combines ethical standards, dietary guidelines, physical movements, and meditation to create a union of mind, body, and spirit. Yoga is said to cultivate prana, which is similar to qi (or chi) in traditional Chinese medicine meaning vital energy or life force.
There is preliminary evidence that yoga may be beneficial when it is added to standard treatments for several conditions, including anxiety disorders or stress, asthma, high blood pressure, heart disease, low back pain, osteoarthritis and depression. It is not clear if yoga is any more or less effective than other forms of exercise.
There are many methodological inadequacies and poor quality in yoga research.
Summary:
Elements of yoga may be helpful in comprehensive management of some medical problems. Care should be taken, however, to avoid injury from over-stretching.
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