Yoga isn’t just for yuppies anymore. On June 21st, 2015, 192 countries and millions of people around the world celebrated the inaugural International Yoga Day. Now officially recognized by the United Nations, the holiday was commended by UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon for its potential to promote public health, an opinion that many global leaders seem to share. But what do scientists and health professionals have to say about the ancient practice?
In 2010, two researchers from the University of Maryland School of Nursing began to address this question. Their meta-analysis reported that yoga’s effectiveness in improving health is comparable to or even more effective than aerobic exercise (e.g. walking, running, biking), regardless of an individual’s wellness. The researchers also found that both yoga and exercise decreased blood sugar and cholesterol and lessened symptoms of multiple sclerosis, kidney disease, menopause, and schizophrenia. In terms of emotional and social health, however, those who practiced yoga pulled ahead of the exercise-only groups. Yoga was found to relieve symptoms of a number of mental illnesses, as well as reduce stress and the severity of pain, fatigue, and sleeplessness.
Image Source: Arun Sankar
Outside the lab, a number of community leaders and educators are experimenting with yoga among high-risk and chronically stressed groups. In one inner-city elementary school, it was found that children who practiced yoga were less likely to ruminate, which may also indicate a lesser likelihood of developing stress-based mental illness. Some therapists utilize yoga to relieve pain in cancer patients, pregnant women, and those with musculoskeletal issues.
What is most exciting about International Yoga Day is that it expresses a global demand for improved holistic health research. Though many yoga therapy programs seem promising, further studies are required to develop a solid link between the practice and improved health outside of the lab. In the meantime, check out this guide to yoga for beginners, and mark June 21st on your 2016 calendar.
Feature Image Source: Matt Madd
