Yoga as Preventive Medicine: An Ancient Philosophy to Address a Modern Chronic Disease Epidemic

A key step in The Simple Pure Whole Wellness Solution is engaging in enjoyable, balanced physical activity. Yoga has played a meaningful role in my own healing journey and is a valuable healing and prevention tool that I use with clients and patients. 

In recognition of National Yoga Month during September, today’s post celebrates the health benefits of yoga! The word yoga comes from the Sanskrit word yuj meaning to yoke or to bind. The practice of yoga originated in ancient India encompassing eight limbs of the philosophical practice:

• yamas or restraints
• niyamas or observances
• asana or postures
• pranayama or breathing
• pratyahara or withdrawal of senses
• dharana or concentration
• dhyani or meditation
• samadhi or absorption

In the practice of yoga we explore these eight limbs, beginning by refining our behavior in the outer world and progressing to focus inward until we reach samadhi or enlightenment. In Western settings, yoga often denotes the practice of asana or a program of physical postures designed to stretch, purify and balance the body while building strength, flexibility and stamina.

Yoga as Preventive Medicine: An Ancient Philosophy to Address a Modern Chronic Disease Epidemic

As a Preventive and Lifestyle Medicine Physician and Interdisciplinary Yoga Instructor, I appreciate the power of lifestyle, movement and mind-body practices like yoga to bring greater balance into our lives, improve our health and prevent future disease. 

This is the focus of The Whole Cure Lifestyle Transformation virtual group coaching programs, in which participants delve deeper into living a life aligned with their core values and deepest passions. Participants explore concepts and powerful exercises as they build the tools needed to start living in a way that awakens the spirit, feeds the heart and nourishes the whole body, soul, mind and spirit! Join the next small group Mindset Module now!

The burden of chronic lifestyle-related diseases is rapidly increasing worldwide, contributing to over 60% of deaths globally. Emerging research suggests that mind-body practices like yoga can impact a wide variety of lifestyle-related diseases. Yoga has been shown to be a powerful form of preventive medicine for conditions like obesity, hypertension, cardiovascular disease and chronic back pain. 

Obesity

Obesity rates in the US and worldwide have reached epidemic levels along with accompanying metabolic dysfunction. According to the World Health Organization, worldwide obesity has more than doubled since 1980 with 39% of adults worldwide overweight in 2014. While many factors contribute to obesity, yoga has been shown to help people tune into their bodies and become more aware of their habits and lifestyle issues. Research suggests that yoga appears to be an appropriate intervention for weight maintenance, prevention of obesity and the reduction of diseases which are associated with obesity.

Hypertension

Hypertension or high blood pressure is a common imbalance in the body and an important risk factor for stroke, heart failure and kidney disease. Yoga modulates the physiological stress response in the body and therefore has been shown to be an effective means for modulating heart rate and blood pressure. Small but significant reductions in blood pressure were shown in as little as three weeks of daily yoga. Through stress reduction, increased parasympathetic nervous system activation and altered baroreceptor function, yoga as been shown to impact the cardiovascular system which may make it an effective adjunct therapy for patients with elevated blood pressure.

Low Back Pain

Mechanical low back pain is another common reason for physician visits, disability and discomfort. Research has also shown that yoga can benefit those suffering from chronic back pain. Carefully adapted yoga poses may reduce low-back pain and improve function, quality of life, anxiety, depression and insomnia. In one study, participants who practiced yoga had significantly less disability, pain and depression after six months. Another study compared yoga with conventional stretching exercises or a self-care book and showed that yoga improved function and reduced lower back pain with results lasting 14 weeks longer than in the self-care handbook group. 

Although more research is needed to definitely explore modalities such as yoga, there is so much promise for this mind-body practice!

If you want to add more yoga into your life, check out these free online practices on my Pinterest board or contact me for personalized private, corporate and group yoga therapy and classes! 

Follow Jennifer Weinberg MD MPH MBE (www.JenniferWeinbergMD.com)’s board Yoga, Movement, Meditation on Pinterest.

Do you practice yoga? What is your favorite way to prevent future disease with lifestyle?

If you believe in the power of lifestyle as medicine and are ready to build your wellness toolkit, check out my Simple | Pure | Whole Wellness Solutions and Opportunities and pick up your copy of The Whole Cure in paperback or Kindle edition today. You can start with a free preview here. I would also love to have you join us in the upcoming The Whole Cure Lifestyle Transformation Program Mindset Module! Enroll here or contact me.

 

**Every body is unique so be sure to check with your health care professional before making any dietary or lifestyle changes. These are products that I use and should not be considered medical advice.

 

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