Exploring the healing power of yoga

Yoga practice does not only improve strength and flexibility, but can also work as a medicine and cure ailments such as migraine, joint pains and spinal cord problems. By devoting their time to practising this traditional art, many people have decided to chart a new course.

New research provides evidence that mindfulness yoga is an effective treatment option for patients with cancer, heart and nephrological diseases, Parkinsons, Alzhiemer’s, other neuro disorders. The study, published in JAMA Neurology, found that yoga practice improved motor dysfunction and mobility while also reducing anxiety and depressive symptoms.

“Being a doctor, researcher in chronic illness care, as well as a yoga instructor, I was drawn to approaching yoga as a therapeutic mind-body practice for better health and well-being, in particular, among those living with neurodegenerative diseases,” said study author Jojo Yan Yan Kwok, a research assistant professor at The University of Hong Kong. “I believe that providing the science behind the practice would help yoga to penetrate the mainstream of healthcare practice.

Considering that chronic illness is not only a physically limiting condition, but also a psychologically distressing life event, healthcare professionals should adopt a holistic approach in rehabilitation.” Medical yoga is defined as the use of yoga practices for the prevention and treatment of medical conditions. Beyond the physical elements of yoga, which are important and effective for strengthening the body, medical yoga also incorporates appropriate breathing techniques, mindfulness, and meditation in order to achieve the maximum benefits.