As a growing number of doctors are embracing the health benefits of yoga, studies continue to show the benefits of a regular yoga practice. Two recent studies looked at health benefits of yoga previously discussed in this blog: back pain and depression and showed further evidence that yoga is more than just exercise.
Both studies were conducted by the National Institute of Health. In the first study, researchers looked at people with symptoms of depression. The study found that when people took a regular yoga class, the symptoms were reduced by about 45 percent.
In the second study, researchers investigated the benefits of yoga for relieving back pain. For this study, participants took 90 minute yoga classes two days a week for three months and suffered from back pain. After three months of yoga classes, researchers noted a 42 percent reduction in back pain and increased mobility.
In addition to pain relief, participants in the study had increased flexibility, better posture and stronger muscles in the back and abdomen. It’s important to note that the benefits were not immediately apparent. Practicing on a regular basis for three to six months were found to be the most beneficial for pain reduction and increased mobility.
The key to the benefits of yoga is always a regular practice. Although study participants took yoga classes, this isn’t absolutely necessary for everyone. If you can’t afford yoga classes or don’t have access to a convenient class near your home, you can still reap the rewards of the practice.
Many people successfully practice yoga at home, either with a DVD or creating their own sequences and using yoga music, nature sounds or other relaxing music. Where you practice isn’t important. What is important is that you practice on a regular basis. Make the commitment to better health and stick with it to get the full benefit of the practice. If you have a back injury, speak to your doctor or consider yoga therapy with a trained therapist, who can help you modify the asanas to your level of fitness.