Yoga

Purpose of Yoga: Complementary and Alternative Medicine (CAM) can be defined as those medical systems, practices, interventions, applications, theories, or claims that are not currently part of the dominant or conventional medical system (Allaire 2001). Lately, this area of medicine has gained a great deal of public interest and activity, both nationally and worldwide. Patients look to CAM for several different reasons. Many have tried conventional medicine for a particular condition and find that the results are inadequate. Others may be concerned over the side effects of conventional therapies. Some just want a more hands on holistic approach to health care where they can address body, mind, and spirit (Jonas 2001). It is the latter group that typically turns to one of the most popular types of CAM, yoga.

Yoga is often interpreted as a “union” or a method of discipline to unite the spirit with the mind, body and soul (Bhavanani 2003). Historically, there are eight limbs of yoga: the yamas (restraints), niyamas (observances), asana (postures), pranayama (breathing), pratyanara (withdrawal of senses), dharana (concentration), dhyani (meditation), and samadhi (absorption). Once an individual begins to explore these eight limbs, they will desire to refine their behavior in the outer world, after this purifying the person can then focus inwardly until they reach Samadhi (enlightenment) (Carrico 2002).

In the US, most people practicing yoga focus on the third limb or asana. Asana is a program of physical postures designed to purify the body and provide the physical strength and stamina required for long periods of meditation. This form of preparation is a means of exercising, stretching, and freeing the body so it can be healthy, long-lived, and a vital instrument of the soul (Ledgerwood 2001). This holistic approach to healing and well being also integrates healing with culture, diet, environment, and tradition. These preventative and rehabilitative methods in addition to many management methods allow yoga to tackle modern pains and illnesses (Bhavanani 2003). Thus, yoga has the ability to be both self-diagnosis, healing, prevention, and maintenance.

Brief History of Yoga: The word “yoga” originates from the Sanskrit root yug, which means “to join” (Garfinkel and Schumacher 2000). In essence, yoga has come to represent a union of the body and mind with the divine intelligence of the universe. Originally, yoga was used as a means of meditation and a way to relax the body for stillness. The tradition of yoga was originally passed down orally from teacher to student. The Yoga Sutras, written by Patanjali (“The Father of Yoga”), combined and explained these practices.
Recently, yoga has been introduced into the modern medical world as a new approach to treating stress-related disorders. Yoga is emerging as a very popular alternative approach to restore peace in the mind, body, and spirit.

Bibliography

Allaire AD. Complementary and alternative medicine in the labor and delivery suite. Clin Obstet Gynaecol 2001; 44(4): 681-691.

Bhavanani AB. Yoga and modern medicine: possible meeting points. Satyoga: Yoga and Yogatherapy [Internet]. Fairfax, CA: The Brothers Digital; c2003 [cited 2005 Sept 10]. Available from: http://www.satyoga.com/documents/teachings/Yoga%20and%20Modern%20Science%20-%20A.%20Bhavanani.pdf

Jonas WB. Advising patients on the use of complementary and alternative medicine. Appl Psychophysiol Biofeedback 2001; 26(3): 205-214.

Ledgerwood G. Yoga. Yoga World [Internet]. Mystic World Fellowship: c1999-2001 [cited 2005 Sept 20]. Available from: www.yogaworld.com