Research Shows

Did you know that despite the challenges of researching the health benefits of yoga, many good-quality studies are beginning to emerge, and the results are interesting.

L. Lipton a yoga instructor for more than fifteen years, describes some studies and what they mean.

Back Pain

Can a regular yoga practice help prevent or treat back pain? A randomized controlled trial involving 101 patients with chronic low-back pain compared 12 weeks of viniyoga practice with conventional back exercise classes. Both of these groups were compared with patients who were given a self-help book. An instructor taught a weekly 75-minute viniyoga practice for the yoga treatment group, who also received handouts and an audio CD guide for home practice. At the end of the 12 weeks, the viniyoga group showed more improvement in back function than both the traditional exercise group and the group who received the self-help book (Sherman et al. 2005).

The Take-Home Message. A regular practice of specific viniyoga poses has been shown to improve some symptoms of back pain. If you have been diagnosed with routine back strain, practice yoga gently and don’t attempt poses that require extreme twisting or vigorous spinal extension, as these can put a lot of strain on the spinal disks and nerve roots. Severe or constant back pain should be evaluated by your physician.

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

Is yoga an effective therapy for this common problem? Researchers have concluded that yoga provides a “significant short-term benefit” for people with carpal tunnel syndrome.

Regular use of specific yoga poses with a focus on the upper body has been shown to improve symptoms of CTS.

Osteoarthritis and Yoga

In one study, eleven people who had been diagnosed with OA in the knee experienced some relief from symptoms once they started a yoga program. After 8 weekly sessions of a modified yoga class, all had reduced symptoms.