If you are interested in a serious and thorough review of the general health benefits of yoga, “Yoga As Medicine” is the best book available. Author/physician Timothy McCall (the medical editor of Yoga Journal magazine) overviews yoga as medicine, the science behind it, the relationship of stress to health and healing, and a yogic approach to health care. The book is so complete and covers so many health conditions, it is an encyclopedia of the health benefits of yoga.
For the skeptical, studies are presented of specific medical conditions, the number of people studied who tried yoga to treat their symptoms, and the percentage of people helped by yoga. Yoga’s effectiveness ranged from 100% for Alcoholism (N=26) to 74% for Smoking (N=219).
Dr. McCall lists 40 ways in which yoga heals, citing evidence that practicing yoga…
1. Increases flexibility
2. Strengthens muscles
3. Improves balance
4. Improves immune function
5. Improves posture
6. Improves lung function
7. Leads to slower and deeper breathing
8. Discourages mouth breathing
9. Increases oxygenation of tissues
10. Improves joint health
11. Nourishes intervertebral disks
12. Improves return of venous blood
13. Increases circulation of lymph
14. Improves function of the feet
15. Improves proprioception
16. Increases control of bodily functions
17. Strengths bones
18. Conditions the cardiovascular system
19. Promotes weight loss
20. Relaxes the nervous system
21. Improves the function of the nervous system
22. Improves brain function
23. Activates the left prefrontal cortex
24. Changes neurotransmitter levels
25. Lowers level of the stress hormone cortisol
26. Lowers blood sugar
27. Lowers blood pressure
28. Improves levels of cholesterol and triglycerides
29. Thins the blood
30. Improves bowel function
31. Releases unconscious muscular gripping
32. Uses imagery to effect change in the body
33. Relieves pain
34. Lowers need for medication
35. Fosters healing relationships
36. Improves psychological health
37. Leads to healthier habits
38. Fosters spiritual growth
39. Elicits the placebo effect
40. Encourages involvement in your own healing
In each chapter on each health condition, yoga poses are shown that have been documented as helpful for people suffering from the specific condition. There are chapters on:
* Anxiety and Panic Attacks
* Arthritis
* Asthma
* Back Pain
* Cancer
* Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
* Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
* Depression
* Diabetes
* Fibromyalgia
* Headaches
* Heart Disease
* High Blood Pressure
* HIV / AIDS
* Infertility
* Insomnia
* Irritable Bowel Syndrome
* Menopause
* Multiple Sclerosis (MS)
* Overweight and Obesity
I am certain that a lot of people’s emotional and physical health could benefit greatly from the advice offered in this book. If it sounds like I am enthusiastic about, “Yoga As Medicine,” it is because I am. On a scale of 1 to 10, I give this book a 10. Highly recommended if you are interested in the physical and psychological health benefits of yoga.
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