What Yoga Research Shows

Do you practice yoga? Did you know that despite the challenges of researching the health benefits of yoga, many good-quality studies are beginning to emerge, and the results are interesting.

L. Lipton a yogi for over 15 years, looks at the studies and explains what they mean.

Back Pain

A randomized controlled trial involving one hundred and one patients with low-back pain compared twelve weeks of yoga with conventional back exercises. Both groups were compared with patients who were given a self-help book. At the end of the trial, the yoga group showed more improvement.

The Take-Home Message. A regular practice of specific viniyoga poses has been shown to improve some symptoms of back pain. If you have been diagnosed with routine back strain, practice yoga gently and don’t attempt poses that require extreme twisting or vigorous spinal extension, as these can put a lot of strain on the spinal disks and nerve roots. Severe or constant back pain should be evaluated by your physician.

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

Researchers reviewed twenty one different studies that looked at the clinical outcome of treatments for carpal tunnel. After eight weeks of yoga, participants reported significantly reduced pain compared with other participants who wore wrist splints.

If you suffer from carpal tunnel syndrome, you modify the poses and hand positions as needed to carpal tunnel problems. Ask your yogi for help.

How to Treat Osteoarthritis with Yoga

Can yoga be used on individuals with OA? In one study, 11 people with OA in the knee experienced relief from symptoms once they started a yoga program. After eight weekly sessions of a modified yoga class, all of the subjects showed a reduction in symptoms of knee pain and stiffness.