yoga and health

While there have been limited studies and experiments regarding the physiological and anatomical effects of yoga undertaken by the medical profession, most doctors seem to agree that regular practice appears to improve and relieve symptoms of many debilitating and/or dangerous conditions such as asthma, migraine, high blood pressure, joint stiffness, chronic fatigue syndrome, depression and insomnia. Devotees also report higher levels of concentration and mental clarity.

If we do not want to age prematurely we need to make sure we maintain a strong, healthy posture. This means regular, non-jarring exercise to preserve range of movement while building strength and suppleness - especially in the spine. A positive mental outlook is also important. Having read recently about an 80 year-old yoga teacher, with a body to die for and an attitude to match, it seems possible that regular yoga practitioners are much less likely to suffer age-onset degenerative disorders such as arthritis, rheumatism or osteoporosis in later life. They also have much lower DHEA levels (an age hormone).