Yoga is the 5^th most practiced Complementary Alternative Medicine in the United States. It originated in India as a methodology to attain supreme realization. Practicing yoga will help you attain spiritual, physical and mental well being. Yoga is considered a mind-body intervention that is used to reduce the health effects of stress. Yoga is not only an exercise routine but it is believed to calm the nervous system and balance the mind, body and spirit. It is also believed to prevent serious illnesses and diseases.

How it works

Back pains and problems.  Back pains is caused by poor posture, bad body mechanics, repetitive motions on joints and muscles, infections, tumors, cyst and bone spurs. This can be corrected or treated by a combination of exercises that involves yoga, swimming, and weigh training. To avoid having back pains, avoid poor posture and wrong movement when exercising.  Target tight and painful muscles with stretches. Yoga for back pain should begin with stretches that focuses on strengthening the lower back and supporting muscles. The best example is doing the low cobra pose and at least 5-10 sun salutations. Yoga for low back pains is the cobra pose, child pose, half revolved belly pose, the large pit or hollow, and the triangle pose.

Anxiety and stress relief. Too much stress and anxiety can lead to serious illnesses. Yoga techniques such as breathing meditation with Om helps lengthen and regulate the breath but also calms the nerves. It is recommended that you do it at least 3 times a day; at least 12 long breaths per cycle. You can also try the seated meditation.

Constipation and indigestion. Eating high fiber diet is one of the best and easiest solutions to constipation and indigestion. Long term results can also be achieved by practicing yoga techniques that will stimulate the intestines and helps in the circulation of blood in the area. Perform regular yoga sequence such as the yogic sleep pose, eight limb pose, cobra pose, variations of the fish pose, the halasana, and the revolving seated pose. Experiment with different flows and use varied amount of time.

Hepatitis. Hepatitis is the inflammation of the liver. Drink at least 8 glasses of water and perform regular yoga techniques. However, you have to remember not to exercise too much. Do spinal twists gently and if you feel any pain, move out of the position you are in slowly. Do not push your body too hard as this will do more damage than good.