Synonyms/Common Names/Related Substances:

• Asana, ashtanga yoga, Ayurvedic medicine, bandhas, Bhakti yoga, Bhastika, Bhastrika, Bhavan yoga, Bikram yoga, BKS Iyengar, chakra, chandra anuloma viloma, chanting, cleansing techniques, cyclic meditation, dharana (concentration), dhyana, Dru yoga, gentle yoga, guided imagery, Hatha yoga, headstands, hot yoga, Iyengar yoga, integral yoga, jalandara bandha, Jivamukti yoga, kapalabhati, kapalabhati breathing, Karma yoga, kirtan, Kripalu yoga, kriya, kumbhaka, Kundalini yoga, Lamaze® breathing, mantra, meditation, mula bandha, nadi-shodhana pranayama, nadi suddhi, neti, niyama (healthy habit), nostril breathing, om, padmasana, Patanjala yoga, patanjali, poses, postures, power yoga, pranayama, prathyahara (sense withdrawal), proprioceptive physical activity, Raja yoga, relaxation, restorative yoga, qi gong, Sahaja yoga, samadhi, savasana, shavasana, shoulder stand, Siddha medicine, Siddha Yugimuni, Siddhi, Silver Yoga Programme, sirsasana (headstand) yoga posture, Sudarshan Kriya yoga, sukhasana, sun salutation, samadhi, surya anuloma viloma, suryanamaskar, sva-tantra, tai chi, The Yoga Sutras, therapeutic yoga, Transcendental Meditation® (TM), tum-mo (heat) yoga, uddiyana bandha, ujjayi, ujjayi and bhastrika combination, unloaded movement facilitation exercise, vegetarian diet, visualization, yama (moral behavior), yoga-mimansa, yoga nidra, Yoga of Awareness Program, yoga therapy, yogi, yogic breathing.
• Not included in this review: Ayruveda, NIA, Siddha, Transcendental Meditation®.

Clinical Bottom Line/Effectiveness

Brief Background:

• Yoga is an ancient system of relaxation, exercise, and healing that has origins in Indian philosophy. As a system of healing, it takes a primary approach of prevention, or keeping oneself well by the daily practice. Yoga may be considered an active, non-invasive technique and a tool for sva-tantra (self-responsibility). Early descriptions of yoga are written in Sanskrit, the classical literary language of India. The first known work is "The Yoga Sutras," written more than 2,000 years ago, although yoga may have been practiced up to 5,000 years ago. The initial concepts have been adapted over time through translations and scholarly interpretations, but the fundamental principles describing the practice of yoga in the quest of the soul remain largely intact.
• Yoga has been described as "the union of mind, body, and spirit," addressing the physical, mental, intellectual, emotional, and spiritual dimensions towards an overall harmonious state of being. The philosophy of yoga is sometimes pictured as a tree with eight branches. These eight limbs are: pranayama (breathing exercises), asana (physical posture), yama (moral behavior), niyama (healthy habit), dharana (concentration), prathyahara (sense withdrawal), dhyana (contemplation), and samadhi (higher consciousness). There are several schools of yoga practice, such as Hatha yoga, Karma yoga, Bhakti yoga, and Raja yoga. These schools vary in the proportions of the exercises of the eight limbs. However, they are all similar in working towards the goal of self-realization and control of mental, physiological, and psychological parameters through yogic experiences. In the United States and Europe, Hatha yoga, including pranayama and asanas, is commonly practiced. An estimated 18-20 million Americans practice yoga.
• Yoga is often practiced by healthy individuals with the aim to achieve relaxation, fitness, and a healthy lifestyle. Yoga has also been recommended and used for a variety of medical conditions. There is strong evidence to support the use of yoga as a treatment for hypertension. There is good evidence to support the use of yoga in reducing daily levels of stress and anxiety in the general populations of both children and adults. Additionally, there is good evidence for the use of yoga therapy as a treatment for altitude sickness, arthritis, asthma, cardiovascular disease, carpal tunnel syndrome, epilepsy, lung diseases, psychiatric conditions (including obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) and depression), and substance abuse. Since most health conditions are influenced by psychophysiological mechanisms, good evidence supports the use of yoga as a way to ameliorate symptoms and improve quality of life in patients with many types of chronic illnesses. There is promising early evidence for the use of yoga therapy in mental retardation (children), carpal tunnel syndrome, diabetes, headaches, memory, and sexual function (males).
• Yoga techniques can be learned in classes or through videotape instruction. On average, classes last 30-90 minutes and are offered at various skill levels. Credentialing and teaching programs for yoga instructors are varied. Many yoga instructors register with accredited schools under Yoga Alliance® in an attempt to standardize credentialing. Yoga is generally very safe; however, pranayama and some asana are contraindicated in certain conditions or specific illness, including pregnancy and increased intraocular pressure. Therefore, therapy should be exercised under well-qualified guidance.

Dosing/Toxicology

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Precautions/Contraindications

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Interactions

Most herbs and supplements have not been thoroughly tested for interactions with other herbs, supplements, drugs, or foods. The interactions listed below are based on reports in scientific publications, laboratory experiments, or traditional use. You should always read product labels. If you have a medical condition, or are taking other drugs, herbs, or supplements, you should speak with a qualified healthcare provider before starting a new therapy.

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Mechanism of Action

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History

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Evidence Table

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Evidence Discussion

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Products Studied

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Author Information

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References

Natural Standard developed the above evidence-based information based on a thorough systematic review of the available scientific articles. For comprehensive information about alternative and complementary therapies on the professional level, go to www.naturalstandard.com. Selected references are listed below.

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