Yoga...and YOU!

For your body, and your mind...

While yoga has been practiced for a very long time (5000+ years), it's enjoyed a huge increase in popularity in the United States in just the last 10-15 years. Improved strength, flexibility and even mental health have been touted as some of its benefits. Yoga fans will agree, but now there are also many studies that back up these claims.

Researchers at Duke University recently reviewed over 100 clinical trials dealing with yoga and mental health, focusing on 16 of the strongest, and concluded that a regular yoga practice showed measurable benefits for people with depression, ADHD, sleep issues, and schizophrenia. They found that yoga can affect the body in some of the same ways that anti-depressants and psychotherapy do.

Sounds great for the mind, but what about the body? A 2011 study specifically addressed yoga and chronic lower back pain. Adults with chronic or recurrent back pain who were placed in a 12 week yoga program, in addition to the usual course of care, reported a greater improvement in back function three months, six months, and even 12 months later over those who did not do the yoga program.

While it might be assumed that the strengthening and stretching involved in yoga are what's benefiting the back, the improvement in one's mental state might also be a factor. Stress is an established contributor to back pain. Yoga practice also helps one to become more mindful of posture and body positioning throughout the day.

With all its proven mental and physical benefits, starting a mindful yoga practice, preferably with a skilled instructor who can teach you to modify the poses to your specific needs, may be a great addition to your fitness routine!

For more information, please contact our office or visit our website.

 

                        

 

Chiropractic Care Millennium Park - 30 N. Michigan Avenue - Suite 605

Chicago, IL 60602 - Phone: 312-269-5556
Chiropractic Care, Ltd. - 2417 W. 183rd Street - Homewood, IL 60430

Phone: 708-798-5556