Yoga and You

You may have noticed that over the past five years, there has been a great surge of interest in non-western practices to dealing with health issues. Todays bookshops are lined with sections of self-help bestsellers discussing how traditional eastern approaches such yoga, meditation, reiki, or tai chi are the key to leading a healthy, balanced life.  We shall examine yoga in greater detail, particularly looking at why osteopaths recommend yoga to people with chronic physical ailments. 

But what is yoga exactly, and how does it work? Yoga is a traditional Indian practice that dates back more than 5000 years. The term comes from the Sanskrit word Yuj, which means to join, unite, or integrate; yoga would have the purpose of integrating all aspects of the individual - body with mind and mind with soul. In order for these to be united, a balance had to be achieved between our emotions, actions, and intelligence " and thats where yoga comes in. 

Yoga uses a combination of body postures (or asanas) and breathing exercises (pranayama) to help us achieve our full potential and improve our quality of life. It isnt necessarily a completely spiritual practice; many westerners use this technique as a way of centring themselves, relaxing, and soothing their pain. Yoga is still embedded in spiritual origins, but anyone can learn it if they are willing, because regardless of your reasons to practice yoga, everyone experiences a similar result: it makes you feel better. 

Let us now look at yoga in more detail, in terms of what it does for the body, and why so many osteopaths recommend it: 

Yoga gets you into shape. It tones your muscles, and makes them stronger and more flexible, while also giving your stamina a boost.

It gets the flood flowing to all the areas that are in need of it most.

It stimulates the immune system and your abdominal systems are purified, ridding them of unnecessary toxins 

Some chronic conditions do not respond to western medicine, but do improve because of yoga

It helps treat and prevent the ailments that osteopaths deal with on a daily basis, including arthritis, carpal tunnel syndrome, asthma, epilepsy, heart disease, back pain, multiple sclerosis, and many others. 

Yoga can also be beneficial on a psychological level. It is known to improve concentration levels, making it easier to get through long, tedious work days. Breathing techniques often help you become less stressed and lowers anxiety levels. And, if yoga is practiced regularly, you should start noticing changes in your mood, energy levels, and overall sense of well-being. 

The books say it, osteopaths are saying it, and Indian Yogis have said it for thousands of years: yoga makes you feel better. So regardless of whether you are suffering from headaches or sacroiliac joint problems, yoga is a useful practice you might want to try.

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The content of this page is informed by feedback from osteopathic practitioners in Surrey and also a practitioner in Birmingham. Further input was received from clinics in Luton and practices in Covent Garden. Finally a contribution was made by osteopaths in the Nottingham area