USC Health Now

In the past decade, yoga has become a popular modality for health promotion, disease prevention and treatment for various physical and mental maladies. Here, USC experts talk about how yoga can help you in 2008.

by Katie Neith

For thousands of years, yoga has been practiced as part of the Indian system of medicine known as Ayurveda. Now, this ancient healing tool has been integrated into Western cultures, with six million Americans practicing yoga regularly, says Shri K. Mishra, M.D., professor in the Department of Neurology at the Keck School of Medicine of USC.

“This mind-body therapy involves physical postures, breathing exercises and meditation to improve overall well-being,” says Mishra, who is also Co-director of the USC Center for Integrative Medicine Education and Research (CIMER).

For many in the U.S., yoga is associated with exercise and meditation, however it can also offer widespread health, wellness and therapeutic benefits.

Holistic Health

“Practitioners of yoga therapy integrate yoga concepts with Western medical and psychological knowledge, for example, by using breathing activities, physical postures and meditation in the management of medical conditions such as back pain or depression,” says Mishra. “Whereas traditional yoga practice is primarily concerned with personal enlightenment of people without pathology, yoga therapy focuses on a holistic treatment for people with various physical or psychological dysfunctions.”

According to Mishra, yoga therapy has been used to relieve the symptoms of stress, anxiety, depression and even epilepsyas a complementary therapy. He also points to studies that suggest that yoga may promote positive effects on carotid atherosclerosis, hypertension, diabetes and coronary artery disease, all of which are associated with stroke.

Practicing yoga may help improve to nearly every system in the body, says Mishra, including better respiratory and cardiovascular efficiency, normalization of gastrointestinal and endocrine functions, and increased musculoskeletal strength, flexibility and endurance, as well as better balance and dexterity.

He also points to psychological and cognitive benefits such as improved mood, attention and concentration and decreased depression and anxiety. (Where to find a yoga therapist)

Energizing Exercise

For those interested in adding yoga to their fitness routine this New Year, there are a number of different types of yoga to try. Four of the most common types found in U.S. studios and gyms are:

• Astanga or Power Yoga – A variation of yoga developed for people who prefer a physically demanding workout.
• Bikram Yoga – A series of 26 asanas (poses) practiced in a room that is 105 degrees in order to warm and stretch the muscles, ligaments and tendons and to detoxify the body through sweat.
• Hatha Yoga – This is the most commonly practiced form of yoga in the United States today, with an emphasis on physical poses or exercises with the goal of balancing the opposites in one’s life. For example, flexing is followed by extension, and physical exercises are followed by mental meditations.
• Iyangar Yoga – This practice emphasizes great attention to detail and precise alignment, which often requires the use of props such as blocks and belts while performing postures.

When comparing yoga to conventional exercise, Mishra points out some key differences, including a lower risk for injury, a natural breathing pattern that is energizing instead of fatiguing and a normalization of muscle tone as opposed to increased muscle tension.

However, he is quick to point out that yoga is not a cure-all.

“You can’t say yoga is the answer for everything, but it has a place,” says Mishra. “I believe that adding yoga to your medical regimen will improve your quality of life.”

It’s also important to take care in starting a yoga routine, he says. People with injuries, medical conditions or spinal problems should consult a doctor before starting yoga.

“Those with medical conditions should find a yoga teacher who is familiar with their type of problem and who is willing to give them individual attention,” says Mishra. “Pregnant women can benefit from yoga, but should always be guided by an experienced teacher.”
In addition, all beginners—regardless of health status—should not try to stretch too much too quickly, as injury could result, he says. Mishra also points out that stretches or poses should be stopped if there is any pain, dizziness or fatigue.

Getting Started

According to Matthew Scharpnick, Regional Youth Program Coordinator for the Art of Living Foundation, a non-profit organization that helps coordinate the USC Yoga & Service Club, a steady daily yoga practice is very beneficial. He says that there are a number of resources to help find yoga classes, depending on the style of yoga that one is interested in learning.

“Yoga studios are a good place to learn asanas and some simple breathing, and can be a gateway into other more in-depth practices,” says Scharpnick. “Many local yoga studios post information about yoga courses, and many organizations advertise in local papers that cater to this population. Books and tapes can be helpful as well, but after some time it’s good to learn from another person who has advanced knowledge of some aspect of yoga.”


He also points to organizations like the International Art of Living Foundation (www.artofliving.org), which offers courses around the world that show how the breath can be used as a tool for releasing stress, increasing one’s energy level and bringing the mind into the present moment.

“Yoga and meditation are tools that are available to all people, regardless of gender, religion or socio-economic background,” says Scharpnick. “All of us can make a New Year’s resolution to take some time to better understand our mind, and yoga can really help us in this pursuit.”