Benefits of Yoga

Although yoga has had a recent surge in popularity, it has actually been around for close to 5,000 years.

Studies have shown that practicing yoga activates the parasympathetic nervous system in the body. This system lowers the heart rate, respiratory rate, and blood pressure levels. Levels of cortisol (the hormone secreted by the adrenal glands in response to stress) drop and the pituitary gland secretes oxytocin and prolactin—the “cuddle” hormones responsible for feelings of love.

Back Pain: Researchers from Harbor-UCLA Medical Center found that patients with back pain who practiced yoga took less pain medication and reported decreased levels of anxiety.

Multiple Sclerosis: Researchers at the UCLA MS Achievement Center in Los Angeles found yoga practice helped control or reduce symptoms, specifically pain and spasticity, in patients with Multiple Sclerosis. A study conducted at Oregon Health & Science University in Portland demonstrated that yoga can also reduce fatigue in patients with MS.

Sleep: Researchers from the University of Texas M.D. Anderson Center in Houston found that Lymphoma patients who were taught yoga reported better quality of sleep than those who did not practice yoga.

Arthritis Pain: In a study conducted at the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine, researchers found that yoga exercises reduced pain and increased range of motion in patients with osteoarthritis.

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome: Another study conducted at the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine showed yoga was a more effective regimen than wrist splinting in relieving symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome. A study published in The Journal of the American Medical Association showed yoga improved grip strength and reduced pain in patients with carpal tunnel syndrome.

Cardiovascular Disease: A study conducted at Hanover University in Germany showed that patients who were taught yoga had a substantial reduction in risk factors for heart disease, including reduced blood pressure and cholesterol levels.

Asthma: Researchers from the Northern Colorado Allergy Asthma Clinic reported that patients who began to practice yoga also began using their asthma medications less frequently than those who did not practice yoga.

Depression: Studies at the University of Massachusetts showed significant long-term reduction in anxiety and depression among participants who were taught meditation techniques.

Infertility: Herbert Benson, MD (a well-known author and researcher at Harvard University) reported that 50% of couples who were struggling with infertility were successfully pregnant within one year after completing a program of yoga, meditation and emotional support.

Editorial provided by Leta Koontz. Leta is a certified yoga instructor who teaches at Schoolhouse Yoga, located in the Strip District, Squirrel Hill, Shadyside and Downtown.