Studying the Science of Yoga: Does It Really Help Improve Health?

Photo via FYeahAshtanga.

Are you interested in learning more about the science behind yoga?


I've sometimes wondered how and why certain asanas help. Does a forward fold really release stress? Can heart openers truly allow you to move through emotional pain? And what postures actually have an effect on preventing disease, increasing physical health, or helping you sleep better?

As with everything in yoga, the opinions vary. And the research is ongoing.

Photo via FYeahAshtanga.

Plus, it depends on who you ask. Bikram teachers may focus on the way compression postures increase blood flow to stimulate detoxification, whereas an Ashtanga or vinyasa teacher could spend more time in class talking about the importance of applying the mula bandha in a way that's balanced, strong, and yet relaxed. 

Or maybe you've taken a yoga class where the focus isn't even on the body; it's on the mind, and the power of meditation, or a different element of the eight limbs of yoga (outside of asana) that can transform your practice.

What do you guys think? How has yoga helped you personally? (Did you lose weight, heal from an injury, or better your sex life? Are you able to concentrate better, or exercise more?)

Photos via Urban Yoga Girl. 

There are some interesting resources out there who study the scientific effects of yoga (and you may have heard about some of this when the whole "How Yoga Can Wreck Your Body" NYT article surfaced). Here are a few links if you're interested in further reading:

• The Bandha Yoga books take a look at the anatomy behind traditional Hatha yoga, offering tips and tricks for ways to stay safe as you practice. Check out Bandha's anatomic pose viewer for an animated, 360-degree look at the human body in different postures -- pretty fascinating stuff!
• Sweat Science is a blog that takes a look at fitness myths and the science of exercise. They have posted about how yoga can reduce cellular inflammation markers, and whether it works to study yoga with conventional clinical trials.
• YogaDork released an exhaustive guide to the yoga community's response to the New York Times article on the dangers of yoga.

Photo via FYeahAshtanga.

Do you know of any other great resources for yogis interested in the science of yoga? I'd love to hear!