Reflections on the Practice
Vivekan
Science Proves Benefits of Regular Yoga Practice, Again
As a yogi I have always approached my practice, and instruction, as both an art and a science. From the view of art it is a dimension of the practice that is intimate and personal in interpretation and therefore subjective. This way of considering the practice can be said to be the existential aspect of the practice. Even when viewed through the varied expressions promulgated by the differing schools and styles of yoga, one can readily see the practice as art.
However, the science aspect of the practice is also of great interest to me. This perspective of the yogic practice is not subjective and full of anecdotes. It is the approach to the practice with empirical methods. By the use of controls and variables in experiments, and with enough data, researchers can arrive at conclusions that others can replicate.
Fortunately, the practice of yoga has become so popular that many are raving about its health benefits. Researchers have begun to take note and serious studies have been undertaken to determine what benefits can be substantiated by empirical methods. Throughout the past the 20 years, many studies have been published verifying many of yoga’s benefits.
Yoga Reduces Stress-Related Inflammatory Compounds
Rick Nauert recently summarized findings of an Ohio State University study in his article, the “Scientific Basis for Yoga Benefits”, published in PsychCentral.com. Briefly, the study demonstrated that the regular practice of yoga aids in reducing stress-related compounds that can increase inflammation that may lead to many age-related health disorders.
Art & Science Come Home
This is what is really exciting: Now, I can not only corroborate my personal observation – the art aspect — of yoga’s ability to minimize inflammation, I now have a better understanding of what stress-produced protein compound is actually mitigated with regular yoga practice; and, these results can be reproduced – the science aspect – by any researcher replicating the same controls and variables.
It is great to be able to share a practice (i.e., yoga) that can offer so many benefits. Make firm your resolve to continuously renew your practice — and, combat stress!
On the path,
Vivekan
Photo: Camila Vergara
