March 2006

Editor's Message

By Rogena Schuyler Silverman

Balancing Mind and Body

“The greatest weapon against stress is our ability to choose one thought over another.” —William James (1842-1910, American philosopher)

Life is stressful.

The pressures of life in the 21st-century are proving to be more challenging than many anticipated. Political issues, demanding careers, and family matters are just a few of the triggers causing stress- and anxiety-related health problems for countless busy individuals. Studies show stress is linked to such physical ailments as headaches, neck and back pain, depression, and fatigue. In addition, it can cause high blood pressure, gastrointestinal dysfunction, and a compromised immune system.

So, how are we coping? Many Americans have embraced the ancient practice of yoga, which began on the continent of India some 5,000 years ago. What began as a mysterious ashram-based spiritual exercise, was introduced in the US as a pop-culture fitness fad, only to be universally embraced as a physical and mental discipline that has been proven to eliminate stress, alleviate pain, and generally improve one’s outlook on life.

Should therapists consider the centuries-old practice of yoga as part of a rehabilitation and exercise program? Orthopedic surgeon Nicholas DiNubile, MD, believes it should. According to DiNubile, “Yoga can help improve strength, balance, and flexibility, and may be beneficial for certain bone and joint problems like carpal tunnel syndrome, tennis elbow and arthritis.” Individuals who begin a steady yoga regime will discover that it not only encourages breathing and relaxation skills, it also promotes good posture while stretching and strengthening muscles all over the body—particularly the back. Balance, focus, and endurance are built with practice, which therapists and instructors can tailor to an individual’s needs. In fact, the physical and mental benefits of yoga are so favorable that—in addition to the roster of standard yoga classes scheduled at many commercial fitness centers across the country—special needs programs are being offered for expectant mothers, stroke victims, MS sufferers, and aging adults.

In addition, ongoing clinical trials are registering the positive effects of the practice. For example, the effects of yoga on a group of adults suffering with chronic back pain were published in the December 20, 2005, issue of the Annals of Internal Medicine. This study established that, over a period of 3 to 6 months, yoga appears to be more effective than traditional back exercises in alleviating pain associated with chronic low back pain. Over the years, there have been many such studies, all concluding that yoga is one of the better alternative pain- and stress-reducers available.

While yoga may not bring spiritual enlightenment to everyone, with proper instruction and dedication to practice, it will enhance strength and muscle tone, improve flexibility and posture, and—quite possibly—help alleviate stress and anxiety. Namaste.

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