Yoga isn’t just about flexible bodies; it’s an ancient practice that can boost memory, heart health, and bone strength, says Anna Magee. The UK is now spending a staggering £790 million a year on yoga classes and equipment. Although yoga is evolving with new hybrid forms, science is increasingly validating its benefits.
Researchers at UCLA found that a three-month yoga and meditation course was more effective than memory exercises in reducing age-related brain impairment. Another study showed that it improved sleep in breast cancer survivors.
Former advertising executive Lucy Edge chose yoga over prescribed anti-depressants to combat her deep depression. After a six-month yoga break in India, she returned with a sense of happiness and contentment beyond her expectations. Inspired by her experience, she authored three books on yoga and founded Yoga Meds, a site listing over 300 clinical trials on yoga’s benefits for various conditions, including arthritis, insomnia, and obesity.
If traditional memory exercises like crossword puzzles and Sudoku are part of your routine, it might be wise to add yoga. UCLA research compared the effects of 12 weeks of memory exercises and a yoga and meditation course on adults over 55. Those who practiced yoga showed better spatial and visual memory improvements, reduced depression and anxiety, and increased stress resilience.
Try incorporating Kundalini yoga, which involves gentle movements, breathing techniques, meditation, and some chanting. The study participants also practiced Kirtan Kriya daily, a meditation involving chanting, hand movements, and light visualization.
For heart health, walking and jogging are commonly recommended, but yoga might be equally beneficial. A 2014 study published in the European Journal of Preventive Cardiology found that yoga could reduce heart disease risk comparably to conventional exercises like brisk walking. Yoga reduces stress, which can help lower blood pressure and heart rate, reducing the likelihood of blood clots.
Try stress-relieving yoga poses like those outlined by Charlotte Watts. Restorative yoga, which uses bolsters and cushions to support postures for extended periods, can also effectively reduce stress.
Sarah Shone, a physiotherapist and yoga teacher, integrated yoga into a back pain rehabilitation program, with 87% of participants reporting reduced pain. NICE guidelines recommend yoga for lower back pain, and Shone is now focused on training more physiotherapists to use yoga in clinical settings.
Yoga helps with incontinence by targeting pelvic floor muscles and can increase bone density due to its weight-bearing nature. If you’re new to yoga, inform your instructor about any health issues and start with gentle styles like Hatha or Iyengar yoga. For specific conditions like back pain, consult your doctor about eligibility for subsidized yoga courses.
Yoga props can significantly enhance your practice. When choosing a yoga mat, consider its location, weight for portability, length for your height, and thickness to protect your joints. An option like the Elephant Cork Yoga mat from Valka Yoga is eco-friendly, durable, and provides comfort.
Cork mats are great for those who sweat as they offer better grip when wet. Additionally, cork is naturally antimicrobial and odor-resistant. A matching yoga block can help with stability in difficult poses.
Yoga offers various styles for different needs. Yin or Restorative yoga is relaxing and often done with blankets and cushions. Vinyasa Flow is energetic and links postures to breath. Iyengar yoga focuses on alignment and uses props for support. Anusara yoga combines alignment with flowing movements and upbeat music. Yoga Therapy is tailored for healing specific injuries or illnesses.
Lucy Edge’s latest book “Down Dog Billionaire” is available on Amazon.
