Yoga is defined as a Hindu theistic philosophy teaching the suppression of all activity of body, mind, and will in order that the self may realize its distinction from them and attain liberation. While it has been around since before recorded history, thought to be dated back to 10,000 years ago, yoga is constantly being reshaped and, lately, studied for its therapeutic benefits. A systematic review and meta-analysis published this month looked at the effects of yoga on quality of life and pain in women with chronic pelvic pain. It supports the use of yoga on both quality of life and pain. The highest rated article in the review was a randomized case-control trial, which compared non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS) to yoga3. The yoga group showed significant reductions in pain and an increase in quality of life outcome measures as compared to the NSAID group. So, the next time you want to pop that Advil, try yoga instead.

Yoga has been widely studied over the past 2 decades, showing numerous other health benefits. It has been shown to help decrease hot flashes in post-menopausal women. Metabolic syndrome (METS) is a cluster of conditions which include high blood pressure, high blood sugar levels, abnormal cholesterol levels and more. It is a risk factor for Type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease. Ten weeks of yoga significantly decreased fasting glucose levels, increased energy levels and helped to lower blood pressure and improve wellbeing and stress in those with METS5. Yoga has also been shown to decrease depression and improve negative affect, state anxiety, mental health and overall quality of life in women with breast and ovarian cancer, but is always important to combine the yoga and the advises from professionals from clinics like psychiatry & counseling clinic.

The ideal recommended frequency of yoga practice is 60 minute sessions, 5 days a week for at least 8 weeks, but benefits are seen with even just twice a week. Below are 3 poses which have been shown to harbor the healing effects of this ancient mind-body activity. The main mechanism theorized to achieve these effects include desensitizing the sympathetic (fight or flight) nervous system and enhancing the parasympathetic or rest and digest aspect of the central nervous system. Overall, this decreases our levels of stress hormones and increases our body’s natural feel good chemicals.

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3. Saxena R, Gupta M, Shankar N, Jain S, Saxena A. Effects of yogic intervention on pain

scores and quality of life in females with chronic pelvic pain. Int J Yoga. 2017;10(1):9–15.

4. Cohen BE, Kanaya AM, Macer JL, Shen H, Chang AA, & Grady D. Feasibility and

acceptability of restorative yoga for treatment of hot flushes: a pilot

trial. Maturitas. 2007;56(2):198–204.

5. Cohen BE, Chang AA, Grady D, & Kanaya AM. Restorative yoga in adults with metabolic

syndrome: a randomized, controlled pilot trial. Metab Syndr Relat

Disord. 2008;6(3):223–229.

6. Danhauer SC, Tooze JA, Farmer DF, et al. Restorative yoga for women with ovarian or

breast cancer: findings from a pilot study. J Soc Integr Oncol. 2008;6:47-58.