Info about Health
Yoga and Health Concerns
In the last decade yoga has become a part of clinics and hospitals to help manage a variety of chronic diseases and disorders, both physical and mental. Yoga is now the foundation for several stress reduction programs around the country.
• Yoga and Mainstream Medicine
Good health is the fruit of a yoga practice, so it is no surprise that the health benefits from hatha yoga and meditation have been successfully incorporated to treat or augment some clinical conditions, from heart disease to the relief of chronic pain. While yoga has long been a part of Ayurvedic medicine, it is only just beginning to make inroads to Western medical institutions. Where skepticism and doubt have been put aside by traditional Western clinicians, the results have made headlines.
• The Cost of Stress
Stress is linked to hypertension, heart attacks, diabetes, asthma, chronic pain, allergies, headaches, and insomnia. The costs to industry from dealing with stress-related ailments has hit the $200 billion mark, and even individuals who are not ill find that stress dominates their lives. Debbie Hamolsky, an oncology nurse in San Francisco, was prompted to explore yoga during a collaborative work effort with Dean Ornish's program. ''My schedule is so
hectic that, although I had been meaning to take yoga for years, something always came up. I opted for this weeklong retreat, and grumbled about what I needed to do as I drove to the retreat. Indeed, I was stressed when I arrived, but after a week of relaxation, a lot of yoga, meditation, and an enormous amount of time sitting still, I felt my body and head relax in an extraordinary way. It was a 110 percent positive experience. I still don't have time for a yoga class, but I manage to practice relaxation from tapes."
• What Yoga Can Offer the Afflicted
Yoga's multifaceted approach to life and health offers restorative energy, hope, strength, and inspiration in times of illness and for those afflicted with an injury, migraines, repetitive strains, or a life-threatening condition.
Life begins with the breath, and breath, of course, is what sustains life. As Alice Hodge, author of Taking Charge of Your Health, points out, yoga is about connecting our inner core with our breath:
"Practicing yoga is what makes me feel the best at this time," says Hodge, who was diagnosed with a rare form of cancer and has undergone eight surgeries in less than a decade. "I practiced yoga before I was diagnosed with cancer, but it has become a vital part of my life. Yoga has been an immense support emotionally for both my family and me. I go to classes when I can, and at home I rely on the restorative poses to help me sleep.
The breathing practices and imagery have guided me through some difficult moments; they've also given me strength and a very positive outlook on my life."