Ashu Mohammad et al.
February 2019
Yoga
In recent decades, diseases such as premature ageing, cardiovascular disease, multiple sclerosis, fibromyalgia and Alzheimer's have increased. Researchers have found that yoga, a mind-body therapy, can be used as an alternative medicine in addition to medication. Yoga combines certain postures, breathing techniques, relaxation and meditation that improve the body's mental and physical health.
This review brings together research that demonstrates the health benefits of traditional yoga practices. It discusses what biological and other reliable indicators suggest that practicing asana, pranayama and meditation could reduce or treat a wide range of lifestyle disorders. Importantly, these indicators are otherwise used to assess the severity of disorders.
In many of the studies, yoga has been shown to improve the redox health of the body, imbalances of which have been shown to cause many health complications. The effects of yoga on neurodegenerative diseases have shown that it reverses memory loss and reduces anxiety, depression and stress, the biological indicators of conditions.
However, most studies have several limitations, so more research on yoga is needed to confirm these findings.
Back pain
Back treatment
N Hartfiel et al.
December 2012
Study shows that yoga reduces stress and back pain in the workplace and increases productivity.
Mental health
Yoga (individual)
Sudha Prathikanti et al.
March 2017
The study shows that Hatha yoga reduces the severity of mild to moderate depression to a greater extent and is therefore effective.
Mental health
Yoga for women
Meena Ramanathan et al.
January 2017
Study shows that yoga reduces depression and anxiety in older women and increases self-esteem.