Yoga for Migraine Prevention: An Ancient Practice with Evidence for Current Use.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: The objective of this study is to review the recent literature on yoga for migraine prevention either as adjuvant or standalone therapy. Yoga is one of the most widely used complementary and integrative medicine (CIM) therapies; clinicians should be familiar with yoga practice so that they can best advise interested patients. It is also important to assess study design and types of yoga offered. Using PubMed and Litmaps, research published from 2018 to 2023 addressing yoga and migraine was assessed. RECENT FINDINGS: Two systematic reviews and six studies have recently been published on yoga as adjunctive migraine preventive treatment. There is class III evidence and a grade B recommendation for yoga as an adjunct migraine preventive treatment. Yoga has been shown to reduce headache frequency, disability, and likely also pain intensity and self-efficacy. Two studies (one in children and one in adults) suggested that yoga as standalone migraine preventive treatment reduces pain intensity, disability, and perceived stress. More research is needed on the long-term efficacy (including change in monthly migraine days specifically in addition to headache frequency) and adherence to yoga practice for the prevention of migraine. In addition, to our knowledge, there is no study evaluating yoga practice in the prodromal or headache phase of migraine as acute treatment.

Yoga and physical exercise - a review and comparison.

Yoga is a multifaceted spiritual tool with enhanced health and well-being as one of its positive effects. The components of yoga which are very commonly applied for health benefits are asanas (physical postures), pranayama (regulated breathing) and meditation. In the context of asanas, yoga resembles more of a physical exercise, which may lead to the perception that yoga is another kind of physical exercise. This article aims at exploring the commonalities and differences between yoga and physical exercise in terms of concepts, possible mechanisms and effectiveness for health benefits. A narrative review is undertaken based on traditional and contemporary literature for yoga, along with scientific articles available on yoga and exercise including head-to-head comparative trials with healthy volunteers and patients with various disease conditions. Physical exercises and the physical components of yoga practices have several similarities, but also important differences. Evidence suggests that yoga interventions appear to be equal and/or superior to exercise in most outcome measures. Emphasis on breath regulation, mindfulness during practice, and importance given to maintenance of postures are some of the elements which differentiate yoga practices from physical exercises.

Therapeutic role of yoga in hypertension.

Systemic hypertension is an established risk factor for coronary artery disease and cerebrovascular accident and control of blood pressure reduces the risk of a major cardiovascular event. Both non-pharmacological and pharmacological treatment options are available to treat hypertension. Yoga, recently received more attention as a treatment modality for various lifestyle disorders, even though practiced in India since ancient times. In this review, we are analyzing the role of yoga in the treatment of systemic hypertension.

Impact of yoga asanas on flexion and relaxation phenomenon in women with chronic low back pain: Prophet model prospective study.

Chronic nonspecific low back pain (NSLBP) is a prevalent condition with socioeconomic and healthcare challenges. The flexion-relaxation phenomenon (FRP) evaluation is a valid clinical tool for low back pain (LBP) assessment. Yoga, a holistic mind-body practice, has been explored as an LBP intervention. This study aimed to evaluate the impact of yoga asanas on the FRP in women with NSLBP. The study included healthy and chronic NSLBP females who underwent an eight-session yoga asanas program, with the first session conducted in-clinic and the rest delivered with tele-approach. Outcome measures included pain intensity, flexion-relaxation ratio (FRR), and trough surface electromyography collected during trunk maximum voluntary flexion (MVF). The study included 11 healthy and 10 NSLBP women. Repeated measures test in chronic NSLBP group showed a significant decrease in pain intensity after the 4 weeks follow-up (visual analog scale [VAS]: 6.80 ± 1.48 vs. 3.30 ± 1.25; p < 0.001) and an FRR improvement after the intervention (5.12 ± 0.93 vs. 9.49 ± 0.92; p < 0.001). VAS and FRR effect sizes were 0.77 and 0.47, respectively. Therefore, we performed a Prophet evaluation to assess FRR trends, finding a growth rate (k) of 0.405 ± 0.448, with a forecast 1 month after the end of the intervention approaching the trend line of the control group. The findings suggested that tele-yoga asana might have a positive impact on pain intensity and the FRP in chronic LBP. Further research is warranted to confirm the long-term effects of yoga for managing LBP.

Effectiveness and safety of Shankhaprakshalana-a yogic technique-in bowel preparation for colonoscopy: A retrospective study.

INTRODUCTION: Shankhaprakshalana (SP) is a yogic method aiming to cleanse the bowel. It involves the use of warm saline water and a combination of five asanas. This study was designed to assess the effectiveness and safety of bowel preparation by SP. METHODS: This is a retrospective observational study of prospectively collected data. Patients planned for colonoscopy were screened and enrolled to undergo bowel preparation by SP on the day of the colonoscopy. Patients having comorbid conditions, poor performance status, suspected or previously diagnosed intestinal stricture and past history of major abdominal surgery and those unable to perform asanas of SP were excluded. A low-fiber diet was advised for one day before the colonoscopy. Patients were advised to drink 400 mL of lukewarm saline water followed by five asanas (exercises) of SP, each done eight times dynamically and sequentially. After completing six such cycles, patients underwent colonoscopy. Boston Bowel Preparation Scale (BBPS) score was used to assess the quality of bowel preparation. RESULTS: Total 238 patients were included. The major indications for colonoscopy were abdominal pain (35.3%), hematochezia (23.9%), diarrhea (20.2%), constipation (10.9%) and anemia (9.7%). The mean age was 37.7 (± 12) years. The mean BBPS was 8 (± 1.2). Bowel preparation was inadequate (BBPS < 6) in only two patients. Mean segmental BBPS for the three segments of the colon (right, transverse and left) was 2.6 (± 0.5), 2.7 (± 0.4) and 2.6 (± 0.7), respectively. Minor adverse events (nausea, abdominal pain, vomiting, giddiness and bloating) were noted in 10 participants (4.2%), which did not require hospitalization. Bowel preparation was completed in 133 (± 35) minutes. CONCLUSION: Shankhaprakshalana is an effective and safe method to achieve adequate bowel preparation before colonoscopy. Since this is a single-center and retrospective study, future multi-centric, prospective studies comparing it with the standard bowel preparation regimens are warranted.

Effect of yoga on intra-ocular pressure in patients with glaucoma: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

Glaucoma is the second leading cause of blindness in the world, with an estimated 57.5 million people suffering from glaucoma globally. Treatment of glaucoma focuses on lowering intra-ocular pressure to prevent progression of visual field defects, which is the only proven method for treating this disease. Yoga practices are believed to lower intra-ocular pressure in the eyes and prevent further damage in patients with glaucoma. Therefore, this systematic review was planned to explore the available scientific studies on yoga and intra-ocular pressure in glaucoma patients. PubMed, Cochrane Library, and Google Scholar were the basis for the investigation of the literature. The Jadad Scale was used to assess the quality of included clinical trials, and the JBI Critical Appraisal Checklist was used to assess the quality of included case studies. Based on the quality assessment and eligibility, six studies on yoga and intra-ocular pressure in glaucoma patients carried out between 2007 and 2021 were included in the final review. The results showed a reduction in intra-ocular pressure in patients with glaucoma through Jyoti-trataka (gazing steadily on a point or candle flame) and some other slow yogic breathing techniques, whereas studies on inversion Asanas (yoga postures) showed a rapid increase in intra-ocular pressure soon after starting. The three high-quality RCTs included in the meta-analysis showed a greater improvement in intra-ocular pressure in the yoga groups in both eyes than in the control groups; however, there were some limitations related to a small sample size, study quality, a long-term follow-up period, and variations in the yoga practices. Therefore, further studies with larger sample sizes and long-term follow-up are needed to overcome the limitations for a better understanding.

Yoga dataset: A resource for computer vision-based analysis of Yoga asanas.

The practice of yoga has been shown to have numerous benefits for both physical and mental health, and it has gained popularity worldwide as a form of exercise and relaxation. However, yoga postures can be complex and challenging, especially for beginners who may struggle with proper alignment and positioning. To address this issue, there is a need for a dataset of different yoga postures that can be used to develop computer vision algorithms capable of recognizing and analyzing yoga poses. For this we created the image and video datasets of different yoga asana using the mobile device Samsung Galaxy M30s. The dataset contains images and videos of effective (right) and ineffective postures for 10 Yoga asana, with a total of 11,344 images and 80 videos. The image dataset is organized into 10 subfolders, each with "Effective (right) Steps" and "Ineffective (wrong) Steps" folders. The video dataset has 4 videos for each posture, with 40 videos demonstrating effective (right) postures and 40 demonstrating ineffective (wrong) postures. This dataset benefits app developers, machine learning researchers, Yoga instructors, and practitioners, who can use it to develop apps, train computer vision algorithms, and improve their practice. We strongly believe that this type of dataset would provide the foundation for the development of new technologies that can help individuals improve their Yoga practice, such as posture detection and correction tools or personalized recommendations based on individual abilities and needs.

Asana for Neck, Shoulders, and Wrists to Prevent Musculoskeletal Disorders among Dental Professionals: In-Office Yóga Protocol.

Extensive literature reports an increase in physical disorders (pain, pathologies, dysfunctions) and mental malaise/uneasiness (stress, burnout) affecting dental professionals in relation to fast and pressing rhythms of work, long working hours, increasingly demanding patients, ever-evolving technologies, etc. This project has been conceived to bring the science of yoga around the world to dental professionals as a preventive (occupational) medicine and to provide knowledge and means for self-care. Yoga is a concentrative self-discipline of the mind, senses, and physical body, that requires regular daily exercise (or meditation), attention, intention, and disciplined action. M&M: The study aimed to design a Yoga protocol specifically devised for dental professionals (dentists, dental hygienists, and dental assistants) including positions (asana) to be practiced/used in the dental office. The protocol is targeted for the upper body, namely neck, upper back, chest, shoulder girdle, and wrists, being areas greatly affected by work-related musculoskeletal disorders. This paper represents a yoga-based guideline for the self-cure of musculoskeletal disorders among dental professionals. Results: The protocol includes both sitting (Upavistha position) and standing (Utthana or Sama position) asana, with twisting (Parivrtta), side bending (Parsva), flexion and forward bending (Pashima), and extension and arching (Purva) asana to mobilize and decompress, and to provide nourishment and oxygen to the musculo-articular system. The paper delivers different concepts and theories developed and deepened by the authors and introduces and spreads yoga as a medical science among dental professionals for the prevention and treatment of work-related musculoskeletal disorders. We articulate notions ranging from stretching out using the vinyasa method (breath-driven movement) and inward-focused attention to contemplative/concentrative science, interoceptive attention, self-awareness, the mind-body connection, and receptive attitude. The theory of "muscles are bone ties" is coined and delivered with regard to tensegrity musculoskeletal fascial structures connecting, pulling together, and nearing the bone segments where they are anchored. The paper describes over 60 asana envisaged to be performed on dental stools or using the walls of a dental office or a dental unit chair. A detailed guideline on the work-related disorders that can find relief with the protocol is provided, including the description of breath control for the practice of asana in vinyasa. The foundations of the technique reside in the IyengarYoga method and ParinamaYoga method. Conclusions: This paper represents a guideline for self-cure in the prevention or treatment of musculoskeletal disorders affecting dental professionals. Yoga is a powerful concentrative self-discipline able to provide physical and mental well-being, representing great help and support in daily life and business for dental professionals. Yógasana restores retracted and stiff muscles, giving relief to the strained and tired limbs of dental professionals. Yoga is not intended for flexible or physically performing persons but for people who decide to take care of themselves. The practice of specific asana represents a powerful tool for the prevention or treatment of MSDs related to poor posture, forward head, chronic neck tension (and related headache), depressed chest, compressive disorders on wrists and shoulders as carpal tunnel, impingement syndromes, outlet syndrome, subacromial pain syndrome and spinal disc pathologies. Yoga, as an integrative science in medicine and public health, represents a powerful tool for the prevention and treatment of occupational musculoskeletal disorders and an extraordinary path for the self-care of dental professionals, sitting job workers, and healthcare providers suffering from occupational biomechanical stresses and awkward postures.

Asana for Back, Hips and Legs to Prevent Musculoskeletal Disorders among Dental Professionals: In-Office Yóga Protocol.

Dental professionals are exposed to significant unavoidable physical stress, and theoretical ergonomic recommendations for a sitting workplace are inapplicable in many dental activities. Work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs) represent a serious health problem among dental professionals (prevalence: 64-93%), showing involvement of 34-60% for the low back and 15-25% for the hips. Muscle stress; prolonged sitting; forward bending and twisting of the torso and head; unbalanced working postures with asymmetrical weight on the hips and uneven shoulders; and others are inevitable for dental professionals. Therefore, the approach for the prevention and treatment of WMSDs must be therapeutic and compensatory. This project was conceived to provide a Yoga protocol for dental professionals to prevent or treat WMSDs from a preventive medicine perspective, and it would represent a Yoga-based guideline for the self-cure and prevention of musculoskeletal problems. METHODS: Specific Yoga positions (asana, such as Virasana, Virabhadrasana, Garudasana, Utkatasana, Trikonasana, Anuvittasana, Chakrasana, Uttanasana, Pashimottanasana) have been selected, elaborated on and adapted to be practiced in a dental office using a dental stool or the dental office walls or a dental unit chair. The protocol is specifically devised for dental professionals (dentists, dental hygienists and dental assistants) and targeted for the low back, hips and legs (including knees and ankles). The protocol includes Visranta Karaka Sthiti (supported positions) in sitting (Upavistha Sthiti) and standing (Utthistha Sthiti) positions, twisting/torsions (Parivrtta), flexions/forward bend positions (Pashima) and extensions/arching (Purva) for musculo-articular system decompression and mobilization. RESULTS: Over 60 Yogasana-specifically ideated for back detensioning and mobilization, lumbar lordosis restoration, trunk side elongation, hip release and leg stretches and decontraction-are shown and described. The paper provides a meticulous description for each position, including the detailed movement, recommendations and mistakes to avoid, and the breathing pattern (breath control) in all the breath-driven movements (asana in vinyasa). An exhaustive analysis of posture-related disorders affecting the lower body among dental professionals is reported, including low-back pain, hip pain and disorders, piriformis syndrome and quadratus femoris dysfunction (gluteal pain), iliopsoas syndrome, multifidus disorders, femoroacetabular and ischiofemoral impingement, spinopelvic mobility, lumbopelvic rhythm, impairment syndromes, lower crossed syndrome, leg pain, knee pain and ankle disorders. CONCLUSIONS: A detailed guideline of asana for low-back decompression, hip joint destress, piriformis and gluteal muscle release, lumbar lordosis recovery and a spinopelvic mobility increase has been elaborated on. The designed Yogasana protocol represents a powerful tool for dental professionals to provide relief to retracted stiff muscles and unbalanced musculoskeletal structures in the lower body.

Passion and risk of addiction in experienced female yoga practitioners.

Yoga is a popular leisure activity and health practice worldwide, especially among women. It could become a long-term lifestyle involving passion, but, like other exercises, it may become addictive. While exercise addiction is widely studied, addiction to yoga remains unexplored. In this cross-sectional study, we examined 215 highly experienced women who practiced yoga for at least three years and at least twice weekly. We scrutinized harmonious passion (HP), obsessive passion (OP), risk of exercise addiction (REA), and various yoga-related measures. Only 2/215 (0.93%) of the sample were at REA. Reported HP, OP, feeling guilty when missing a yoga session, and the tendency to practice yoga when injured predicted the REA by accounting for 42% of the variance. Yogis who regularly practiced pranayama (breathing exercises) scored higher on HP, weekly yoga practice, and posting messages on social media than those who never or seldom used breath regulation. Participants choose yoga primarily for health and social reasons. The posting of yoga-related messages on social media was positively related to HP, OP, REA, and frequency of practice. The conclusions of this study are 1) the REA among experienced female yogis is negligible, 2) HP is higher in yoga forms that involve pranayama, 3) yoga practice is primarily related to health and social factors, and 4) a more intense passion for yoga is related to more frequent social media activities.

Effect of yoga on polycystic ovarian syndrome: A systematic review.

Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS) is not a disease but a mere syndrome. Many researchers have studied polycystic ovarian syndrome and found that there is no proper cause of that, it may occur due to hormonal imbalance or stress, or due to a sedentary lifestyle. The rate of polycystic ovarian syndrome in Indian women has been increasing rapidly. The symptoms include acne, weight gain, hirsutism, difficulties in fertility, irregular or infrequent periods, immature ovarian eggs that do not ovulate, multiple cysts in the ovary. If left untreated, it may become the cause for heart diseases, diabetes, hypertension, infertility, and even cancer. There are varieties of medical treatments available to treat polycystic ovarian syndrome but they have a temporary effect and if taken for a long time then it may lead to serious side effects. Yoga has proven effects in reducing and managing the symptoms of polycystic ovarian syndrome more effectively along with medicine. This review work has been designed to consider the available literature concerning the effectiveness of yoga in the management of the polycystic ovarian syndrome. It includes some research papers published between 2012 and 2019. By providing yogic treatment effect on several parameters (such as blood lipid level, glucose metabolism, endocrine parameters, quality of life, resting cardiovascular parameters, level of anxiety, depression) on the woman with polycystic ovarian syndrome were measured. After thoroughly studying about 74 research papers, 16 are found most relevant to be reviewed. The studies of these papers concluded the successful use of different yogic limbs for the management of polycystic ovarian syndrome with or without medications.

Training Benefits and Injury Risks of Standing Yoga Applied in Musculoskeletal Problems: Lower Limb Biomechanical Analysis.

Standing yoga poses strengthen a person's legs and helps to achieve the goal of musculoskeletal rehabilitation, but inadequate exercise planning can cause injuries. This study investigated changes in the electromyogram and joint moments of force (JMOFs) of lower extremities during common standing yoga poses in order to explore the feasibility and possible injury risk in dealing with musculoskeletal problems. Eleven yoga instructors were recruited to execute five yoga poses (Chair, Tree, Warrior 1, 2, and 3). The results revealed significant differences in hip, knee, and ankle JMOFs and varying degrees of muscle activation among the poses. Among these poses, rectus femoris muscle activation during the Chair pose was the highest, Warrior 2 produced the highest muscle activation in the vastus lateralis of the front limb, while Warrior 1 had the highest muscle activation in the vastus medialis of the back limb. Therefore, all three poses can possibly be suggested as a therapeutic intervention for quadriceps strengthening. Warrior 1 was possibly suggested as a therapeutic intervention in order to reduce excessive lateral overload of the patella, but the possible adverse effects of Warrior 2 with the highest knee adductor JMOF in the back limb could raise joint reaction forces across the medial condyles. In single-leg balance postures, Warrior 3 had unique training effects on the hamstring, and is therefore suggested as a part of hamstring rehabilitation exercises. The Tree pose induced low lower-extremity JMOFs and a low level of thigh muscle activations when it was performed by senior instructors with excellent balance control; however, for yoga beginners with insufficient stability, it will be a useful training mode for strengthening the muscles that help to keep one upright. This study quantified the physical demands of yoga poses using biomechanical data and elucidated the structures and principles underlying each yoga movement. This is crucial for yoga practitioners.

Personalized Yoga Therapy for Multiple Sclerosis: Effect on Symptom Management and Quality of Life.

This study aimed to assess the feasibility of personalized yoga therapy intervention in a private setting and its effect on quality of life (QOL), sleep quality, and symptom relief among patients with multiple sclerosis (MS). A single-group pre- and post-experimental study was conducted among 10 members of the Multiple Sclerosis Society of India between December 2017 and April 2018. At baseline and during follow-up, QOL, sleep quality, symptoms, and pain were assessed using the Multiple Sclerosis Quality of Life, Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index, MS Symptom Checklist, and visual analogue scale, respectively. The intervention comprised 12 private customized yoga sessions of 1 hour duration and three group sessions, all spread over 3-months. Patient feedback and direct observations by the yoga therapist we re documented at each session. Ten patients (seven female, three male, age 31-52 years) were enrolled in the yoga intervention; seven completed 8-12 sessions, and three completed fewer than 5 sessions. Therapist-to-patient ratio was 1:2. All domains except sexual function showed clinically significant improvement in QOL scores. Statistically significant improvement was found in social function (p = 0.014) and change in health status (p = 0.029) scores after the intervention. Although there was improvement in pain and sleep quality, these changes were not statistically significant. Patients reported improvement in symptoms with practice of yoga alongside lifestyle changes. The study supports the feasibility of this 3-month yoga intervention for patients with MS. Studies with larger sample sizes are required to confirm our findings.

Short term effect of yoga asana - An adjunct therapy to conventional treatment in frozen shoulder.

BACKGROUND: The available treatments for frozen shoulder yield variable results. Physical therapy and analgesics are considered as the first-line treatment for this disorder, but the effects are not uniform. There is some evidence to support that alternative medicine may have a role in its management. OBJECTIVE(S): This study was designed to examine the short-term effects of yoga therapy in patients with frozen shoulder of mild to moderate severity. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A prospective randomized controlled trial was conducted on patients with frozen shoulder between 30 and 60 years of age. They were divided into two groups: yoga (Y) and control (NY). A set of Asana exercises called "Standing Group of Asana" was practiced by the yoga group in addition to the conventional therapy as received by the control group. The patients were reviewed at 1, 2 and 4 weeks. The pain and functional assessment were done at baseline and at each review using the Shoulder Pain and Disability Index (SPADI). RESULTS: There were 16 male and 20 female participants in the Y group, and 15 males and 21 females in the NY group. There was no statistically significant difference in age, sex, and pre-treatment SPADI score between the groups. At the end of the four weeks, the SPADI pain scores in the Y and NY group were 20.47 and 20.14, respectively (p = 0.666). The SPADI disability scores in the Y and NY group were 20.4 and 19.7, respectively (p = 0.599). Overall SPADI scores were 40.67 and 40.03 in the Y and NY group, respectively (p = 0.736). Both groups had a significant reduction in SPADI pain and disability scores. However, there was no significant difference between the groups in terms of SPADI scores. CONCLUSION: The effect of the Standing Group of Asana has no added advantage relative to standard frozen shoulder treatment when practiced for one month.

Effects of Yoga Asana Practice Approach on Types of Benefits Experienced.

CONTEXT: Modern science and the classic text on hatha yoga, Hatha Yoga Pradipika, report physical, mental, emotional, spiritual, and relational benefits of yoga practice. While all have specific suggestions for how to practice, little research has been done to ascertain whether specific practice approaches impact the benefits experienced by practitioners. AIMS: Our aim was to relate the experience level of the practitioner, the context of practice approaches (time of day, duration of practice, frequency of practice, etc.), and experience level of the teacher, to the likelihood of reporting particular benefits of yoga. METHODS: We conducted a cross-sectional descriptive survey of yoga practitioners across levels and styles of practice. Data were compiled from a large voluntary convenience sample (n = 2620) regarding respondents' methods of practice, yoga experience levels, and benefits experienced. Multiple logistic regression was used to identify approaches to yoga practice that positively predicted particular benefits. RESULTS: Frequency of practice, either with or without a teacher, was a positive predictor of reporting nearly all benefits of yoga, with an increased likelihood of experiencing most benefits when the practitioner did yoga five or more days per week. Other aspects of practice approach, experience level of the practitioner, and the experience level of the teacher, had less effect on the benefits reported. CONCLUSIONS: Practice frequency of at least 5 days per week will provide practitioners with the greatest amount of benefit across all categories of benefits. Other practice approaches can vary more widely without having a marked impact on most benefits experienced.

Positive Effects of Yoga on Physical and Respiratory Functions in Healthy Inactive Middle-Aged People.

CONTEXT: Yoga improves physical and respiratory functions in healthy inactive middle-aged people. AIM: This study aimed to assess the effects of 8 weeks of asana and asana with pranayama lessons in order to clarify the influence of two different combinations of yoga practice on physical and respiratory functions in healthy inactive middle-aged people. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: A total of 28 participants (mean age: 52.7 years) were divided into a yoga asana (YA) group and YA with pranayama (YAP) group. Participants attended a 70-min session once a week for 8 weeks. The YA group practiced basic asana without specific breathing instructions, while the YAP group practiced basic asana with specific breathing instructions (pranayama). Respiratory function was measured with an autospirometer. Physical function assessments included the 30-s chair stand test and upper and lower extremity flexibility. All tests were assessed at baseline and after 8 weeks of intervention. STATISTICAL ANALYSIS: Changes in scores were analyzed with the paired t-test for each group. Pre-post results were compared for all the measured values. P < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. RESULTS: Both groups showed significant improvements in physical and overall respiratory functions after the 8-week yoga intervention. However, the maximal inspiratory pressure and lower extremity flexibility improved only in the YAP group. CONCLUSIONS: The 8-week yoga intervention for healthy inactive middle-aged people improved the overall respiratory and physical functions, and the inclusion of pranayama had the added benefit of improving inspiratory muscle strength and global body flexibility.

Influence of pranayamas and yoga-asanas on serum insulin, blood glucose and lipid profile in type 2 diabetes.

A distinguishable feature of type 2 diabetes besides hyperglycemia and deranged lipid profile is an impaired insulin secretion, peripheral insulin resistance and obesity which has become a major health concern worldwide. India with an estimated 31million diabetics in 2000 and 79mllions by the yr 2030 has the highest number of type 2 diabetics in the world. In this study, we aimed to see if yoga-asanas and pranayamas have any influence in modifying certain biochemical parameters. Sixty patients of uncomplicated type 2 diabetes (age 35-60 yrs of 1-10 yrs duration) were divided into two groups: Group 1 (n=30): performed yoga along with the conventional hypoglycemic medicines and group 2 (n=30): patients who only received conventional medicines. Duration of the study was 45 days. Basal recordings of blood glucose (fasting and post-prandial), lipid profile and serum insulin were taken at the time of recruitment and the second reading after forty five days. Results showed a significant improvement in all the biochemical parameters in group 1 while group 2 showed significant improvement in only few parameters, thus suggesting a beneficial effect of yoga regimen on these parameters in diabetic patients.

Therapeutic Role of Yoga in Type 2 Diabetes.

Yoga originated in India more than 5,000 years ago and is a means of balancing and harmonizing the body, mind, and emotions. Yoga practice is useful in the management of various lifestyle diseases, including type 2 diabetes. Psycho-neuro-endocrine and immune mechanisms are involved in the beneficial effects of yoga on diabetes. Incorporation of yoga practice in daily life helps to attain glycaemic control and reduces the risk of complications in people with diabetes. In this review, we briefly describe the role of various yoga practices in the management of diabetes based on evidence from various clinical studies.

Implication of Asana, Pranayama and Meditation on Telomere Stability.

Telomeres, the repetitive sequences that protect the ends of chromosomes, help to maintain genomic integrity and are of key importance to human health. Telomeres progressively shorten throughout life and a number of studies have shown shorter telomere length to be associated with lifestyle disorders. Previous studies also indicate that yoga and lifestyle-based intervention have significant role on oxidative DNA damage and cellular aging. However, very few publications investigate telomere stability and its implication from the point of view of asana, pranayama, and meditation. In this context, a review was conducted to systematically assess the available data on the effectiveness of asana, pranayama, and meditation in maintaining telomere and telomerase. Literature search was performed using the following electronic databases: Cochrane Library, NCBI, PubMed, Google Scholar, EMBASE, and Web of Science. We explored the possible mechanisms of how asana, pranayama, and meditation might be affecting telomere length and telomerase. Moreover, results showed that asana and pranayama increase the oxygen flow to the cells and meditation reduces the stress level by modulating the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis. Summing up the result, it can be concluded that practice of asana, pranayama, and meditation can help to maintain genomic integrity and are of key importance to human health and lifestyle disorders.

Modern postural yoga as a mental health promoting tool: A systematic review.

Yoga has been gaining popularity as a complementary therapy for mental health conditions, but research on the efficacy of yoga is still in its beginnings. The aim of this systematic review is to investigate the effects of modern postural yoga (strong focus on physical postures) on positive mental health (PMH) indicators in clinical and nonclinical populations. The most common PMH indicators were mindfulness, affect, resilience and well-being, followed by satisfaction with life, self-compassion, empathy and others. Diverse results were found across the 14 studies analysed, including significant positive effects of yoga practice on outcome variables, to no significant effects, both in relation to baseline levels and in relation to control groups. Nonetheless, most studies observed ameliorations in PMH indicators due to yoga practice. Given that yoga interventions pose serious methodological concerns, more research and better experimental designs are needed to properly assess the effects of yoga on PMH indicators.