When one thinks of yoga, one may think of flexibility, strength, or slow movement- terms that if one does not feel they have, steer away from this form of activity. However, I hope that this blog will enhance your knowledge on yoga, provide you with the benefits that it offers to the mind and body, and how you may be able to start this journey for yourself. Yoga started approximately 5,000 years ago in the Indian subcontinent as part of the Ayurvedic healing science. The term “yoga” is derived from the Sanskrit word ‘yukti’ which means “union,” ultimately aiming to unify the consciousness (spirit) with super spirit (God). The Yogis recognize that in order to achieve this highest state, a healthy body is essential. To achieve this equilibrium, the spiritual practice utilizes the mind (through meditation) and body (exercises). Through connecting with ourselves through the breath, we can find ourselves distancing from a place of turbulence to a place of good health and relaxation.  

Brief History of Yoga

The Father of Yoga, known as Maharishi Patanjali, refined aspects of yoga for all-around development of human personality. This is known as Ashtanga Yoga.

This practice includes the following elements:

• Yama - the disciplinary of moral codes

• Niyama - self-purification and study

• Asana - posture

• Pranayama - rhythmical breathing and control

• Pratyahara - distancing self from external stimulus

• Dharna - concentration of the mind

• Dhyana - meditation of the mind

• Samadhi - the attainment of harmony between the mind and body.

Other forms of yoga philosophies broadly look at four aspects; Work, Worship, Philosophy, and Psychic control. Karma Yoga which is the path of work without the thoughts of success or failure. Bhakti Yoga, the path of worship of engaging the mind of divine love. Gyana Yoga, is a systemic way to provide insight about the realities of life by contemplation. Lastly, Raja Yoga, is a systematic process that cultures one’s mind, which follow the principles in Ashtanga yoga.

Yoga is viewed as a science as well as an art in health and well-being. Traditionally, yoga was focused on personal enlightenment. Today, the view has shifted towards a holistic treatment modality for a variety of somatic or psychological dysfunctions. Evidence-based research has exhibited the benefits of health-promoting and disease-preventing effects of yoga.

The Benefits of Yoga Therapy 

Yoga and physiotherapy both share underlying concepts such by using a holistic approach to the health of the person. Research on yoga has shown the benefits in:

Psychological Benefits:

• Relief from anxiety, depression and perceived stress

• Sleep improvements

• Healing through understanding the effect of trauma on the autonomic nervous system (ANS)

• Reduces isolation and increases participation in life

• Development of mindfulness practices

• Increases self-compassion practices

Improvement in Pain Syndromes like:

• Low Back Pain

• Rheumatoid Arthritis

• Osteoarthritis

• Headaches

Physiological Effects:

• Reduction in systolic blood pressure, heart rate and cardiac output

• Improvement in respiratory function, vital capacity, oxygen uptake, and respiratory rate

• Reduction in autonomic arousal and decreasing sympathetic activity in heart failure patients

Physical Effects

• Increasing flexibility in the shoulder and spine

• Increased strength, posture, and balance

• Improving range of motion

• Supports lifestyle and dietary changes

Autoimmune Conditions

• Asthma

• Diabetes

• Multiple Sclerosis (can improve mobility, activity and mental function)

A literature review by Mishra and colleagues found that yoga therapy has been widely used for health promotion and disease prevention and as a possible treatment modality for neurological disorders. Yoga therapy has also been used as an adjunctive treatment modality for carpal tunnel syndrome, multiple sclerosis, epilepsy, post-stroke paresis, and neuropathy of type two diabetes. However, it is important to recognize that behavioural modification and altered lifestyle may have attributed for the improved outcomes as well. Ongoing research is underway for treatment of fibromyalgia, headache, migraine, Parkinson's disease, chronic back pain, and many other disorders. 

Yoga is emerging as a widely practiced complementary and integrative therapy. The field of yoga research has been growing in a number of areas including; chronic pain, autoimmune disease, cardiovascular disease and mental health. Research is also suggesting that a trauma-informed yoga program is beneficial and seeks to create a safer yoga practice for vulnerable individuals with a trauma history. This in light may improve emotional and physical wellbeing in institutionalized and community settings.

Hopefully this information brings a further understanding as to what yoga therapy is and how it can improve health in many disorders and improving the overall quality of life!

To book a session with our Yoga Therapy Practitioner, Christa Funk, click the link below or call our office at 604-828-2610!