How Yoga Works With Modern Medicine: Medical Yoga Therapy
Modern science is slowly, but surely embracing so many things from ancient Eastern culture. More and more therapists are using yoga as a tool for psychotherapy, a “prescription” for mental health problems.
But what about conventional medicine?
Can general practitioners use yoga as a prescription for some illnesses instead of leaning solely on medications?
The correct mix of modern technology and ancient medicine could be just what the conventional medicine world needs to be untouchable!
Turns out yoga has been proven to heal all kinds of ailments, which technically makes it an exercise, meditation, and a medicine. Here at MyYogaTeacher, we think that’s pretty cool and wanted to explore how the modern medicine and yoga worlds are starting to collide.
One of the benefits of being a myYogaTeacher member is that you get to experience all kinds of yoga classes, even ones designed to help treat or prevent medical problems, taught by highly trained and experienced expert instructors. If you haven’t checked it out yet, click here to enjoy your 2-week free trial!
What is medical yoga therapy?
According to the National Institute of Health, medical yoga is defined as “the use of yoga practices for the prevention and treatment of medical conditions.”
Yoga clearly has therapeutic benefits when it comes to helping people manage stress, anxiety, depression, and a whole host of other mental illnesses. In many cases, a regular yoga practice can end those debilitating issues completely.
The physical side effects of yoga are what truly makes this ancient practice a “modern miracle” for patients suffering from various medical conditions.
Studies show that medical yoga therapy improves (and helps control) glucose levels, musculoskeletal ailments, and helps keep the cardiovascular system in check.
Medical therapy yoga includes all the aspects of yoga that one may expect from any other yoga practice: asanas, breath work, meditation. But it is much more comprehensive than that.
Yoga as a prescription
Yoga doesn’t just treat and prevent illnesses like diabetes, high blood pressure, menstrual disorders, heart disease, and hormone imbalances.
It helps people create a state of well being, where they can understand the underlying cause of their conditions. When they can understand it themselves, they are more capable of being proactive in preventing the recurrence of their illness or the development of new ones.
This is huge in the world of modern medicine!
Medical yoga therapy is an individualized (and holistic) approach to medicine. This means it doesn’t just incorporate the actual practice of yoga, breathwork and meditation. It involves a patient’s family, work environment, support network, and culture in the treatment plan.
Yoga alone may not be the best prescription. It’s up to a person’s doctor to decide if other treatments are necessary in conjunction with medical yoga therapy. And we are in no way recommending you abandon your doctor’s treatment plan without speaking with them first.
However, it is not an unlikely scenario that patients who are at risk of developing certain medical conditions could be prescribed yoga to prevent said conditions from occurring!
This would help people avoid more intense (and costly) medical interventions!
While we are a long way from doctors prescribing yoga as a medicine over pills, there is room to believe that it’s a possibility in the future.
How medical yoga therapy works
The question many people ask about all of this is “how.”
How can something as simple as yoga actually cure and prevent physical medical problems?!
First, we’d like to give you a good idea of types of conditions yoga can help with:
- Diabetes - Yoga reduces fasting insulin levels, which normalizes the insulin-to-glucose ratio. It also increases circulation, which improves nerve damage caused by the disease.
- Hypertension - The various breathing techniques practiced in yoga, along with meditation, alleviates stress, tension, and physical pain in various areas of the body, all of which can be a primary cause of high blood pressure.
- Heart disease - Yoga is a useful lifestyle intervention for people who suffer from high cholesterol, atrial fibrillation, and helps decrease waist circumference.
- Arthritis - The improved strength and flexibility that are associated with yoga also help relieve symptoms of arthritis and chronic back pain, knee pain, and neck pain.
There are many medical conditions that are improved by a consistent yoga practice, but the above illnesses are especially receptive to medical yoga therapy.
On top of that, yoga is an exercise that literally anyone can do!
We know we’ve said it before, but we can’t iterate it enough. Yoga is good for everyone, whether you’re practicing for medical reasons or not. Any size, shape, or age. And it’s incredibly accessible.
Yoga balances the autonomic nervous system by stimulating the parasympathetic nervous system.
Throughout your day, your body is responding to the outside stimuli it experiences, whether you realize it or not. Stress, a not so healthy diet, pain (physical, mental, or emotional), disease, illness. All of these things stimulate the sympathetic nervous system, the “fight or flight” mode your body has to protect itself against all the bad things it encounters.
When one practices yoga, the parasympathetic nervous system (the “rest and digest” system) is activated, lowering blood pressure, releasing endorphins. Your blood vessels dilate, which means better circulation, more nutrients to your organs.
Here are some other benefits of a regular yoga practice:
- Increased release of hormones such as GABA, serotonin, and dopamine, all hormones that prevent and cure depression and anxiety.
- Increased levels of melatonin, the naturally occurring chemical in your body that helps you sleep
- Increased levels of oxytocin, the chemical in your body that helps you feel connected, feel seen and heard.
- Increased levels of leptin and adiponectin, chemicals that work to alleviate inflammation in the body.
Yoga means better health. Better immunity.
There are no bad side effects, like you may have with prescription or OTC medications.
The science is there. Yoga can actually save lives.
Yoga and aging
We thought this topic deserved a section all to itself. The science demonstrates that yoga increases your lifespan.
According to the National Institute of Health, studies show that regular yoga practice stabilizes, and even lengthens, telomeres. What are those?
We thought you’d never ask. Telomeres are small, repetitive chromosomal sequences found at the end of chromosomes that protect the chromosome from dying. They prevent cell death. The older we get, the shorter the telomeres get. The structural integrity of our chromosomes decreases.
This process is one of the causes of diseases such as Alzheimer’s, dementia, cancer, macular degeneration, cardiovascular disease, and stroke, amongst others.
Pretty impressive that yoga can play such a significant role in our wellbeing and longevity!
Here at myYogaTeacher, we are passionate about advocating for the betterment of people. We want to help you feel better, be healthier, and support you on your journey to harmony with your inner and outer world.
If you’re still on the fence about becoming a MYT member, we invite you to grab your free 2-week trial here and take advantage of the 35+ classes we offer with experienced, expert instructors you can trust.
We can’t wait to see you on the mat!
Online Yoga Classes – Live & Interactive
Get 2 free private yoga sessions and 2 weeks of unlimited group classes with authentic yoga teachers. No credit card required when you sign up today!
Start Free Trial
Share this post?
{"slug":"yoga-as-medicine","recentPosts":[{"id":"clbewo8ay2ybd0bjz1b3mku4h","slug":"yoga-for-metabolism-free-event","author":{"name":"Will","teacherMytSlug":"will-1","pictureUrl":"will.jpeg"},"title":"Announcing MyYogaTeacher’s Free Yoga for Better Metabolism Event","subTitle":null,"seoTitle":null,"seoDescription":"Discover more about how your digestive process works, impacts your metabolism, and how yoga can help at the free Yoga for Better Metabolism Event! ","readTime":null,"excerpt":null,"tags":[],"createdAt":"2022-12-08T09:57:36.387359+00:00","coverUrl":"ymmjpuaok6d14lsrhqme.png","content":{"text":"Are you ready to easily improve digestion and boost metabolism (isn’t everyone)? Then this event is for you! \\n\\nYou’re invited to the two-day yoga event from December 13-14 dedicated to improving your metabolism!\\n\\nBetter digestion = better metabolism! Check it out…\\n\n\\nMaybe you’ve heard. Good fats, fiber, healthy proteins, they all improve your gut biome, which impacts how efficiently your body burns calories. Massaging the organs of your digestive system helps activate the good bacteria in your gut! And who does the massaging? YOU do! With yoga. Yoga is one of the best movements to help improve metabolism in this process. \n\\nIntrigued? We hope so! \n\\nDiscover more about how your digestive process works, how it impacts your metabolism, and how yoga can help at the free Yoga for Better Metabolism Event! \\n\\nThe impacts of living a yogic lifestyle are nothing but positive, so we hope you’ll join us!\\n\\nHow to join the Yoga for Better Metabolism Event:\\n\\nMembers\\nJust click the links below to one or all of the classes you’d like to attend and register as you would any other group class! Simple as that.\\n\\nNon-Members\\n\\nClick this link to sign up for your free two week trial\\n to get access to this incredible event! No credit card required.\\n\n\\nAre you a nonmember who signed up for a trial in the past but it’s lapsed?\\nIf you’re not a member but signed up for a free-trial in the past, and it has expired, just reach out to \\ncare@myyogateacher.com\\n to let us know! We'll reset your trial and give you full access to the event.\\n\n\\n[NEW!] Referred friends & family:\\nDid you refer a friend or family member to MyYogaTeacher? We’re so grateful for you!\\n\\nYour family or friend should create a free account (they’ll get 2-weeks of access plus three complimentary 1-on-1 sessions). And if they sign up for membership, you both get $100 off MyYogaTeacher credit.\\n\n\\nDiscover all the best ways yoga improves your metabolism, digestion, and overall health. So you can live your life to the fullest, every day.\n\\nWe've put together an entire schedule of relaxation classes dedicated to helping you boost your metabolism.\\n\n\\nCheck out the educational, inspiring, and exciting event classes and expert yoga instructors making this event happen!\\n(Click the class links to register for any or all of these amazing sessions!)\\n\n\\n\\nActivate Digestive Fire and Boost Metabolism\\n\\nTuesday, December 13 from 5:30 pm PST/ 8:30 pm EST\\n\\n\\n\n\\nMetabolism and digestion are interconnected! This class is designed to teach you about your digestive fire and how you can boost your metabolism and improve digestion with some simple yoga techniques. Everyone is welcome! Join us!\\n\n\\n\\nImprove Your Diet and Boost Metabolism\\n\\nWednesday, December 14 from 3:30 pm PST/ 6:30 pm EST\\n\\n\\n\n\\nNutrition is an important aspect of boosting your metabolism. Discover some simple yoga techniques to boost your metabolism and learn how to improve your diet in a way that positively impacts your metabolic processes!\n\\nMyYogaTeacher makes it easy to improve and maintain your health and wellness. We’re less about surviving and more about thriving! And a yogic lifestyle isn’t just about yoga poses. It’s about a holistic, whole body approach to health. That includes things like diet, digestion, and metabolism!\\n\\nSo join our expert yoga instructors! Feel better about your health while building relationships with yogis who truly care about your wellbeing. \n\\nYou’re not just a student at MyYogaTeacher. You’re a friend!\\n\\nWe offer these events so you have the tools and guidance to live in harmony with your inner self, outer self, and the world. So you can move in the world with peace and good health. \n\\nDon’t forget to check out other yoga classes related to diet, digestion, and metabolism MyYogaTeacher offers as a part of your membership or free trial! Like the ones below…\\n\\nAnd remember: If you’re a nonmember who’s two-week free trial has ended, reach out to \\ncare@myyogateacher.com\\n to have your trial reset so you can easily sign up for these awesome classes!\\n\n\\nWelcome to MyYogaTeacher’s Yoga for Better Metabolism Event!\\nSee you soon!\\n"},"category":["myYogaTeacher"]},{"id":"clb6d7i3dguvb0bkghnequ3yl","slug":"yoga-for-women-with-pcos","author":{"name":"Will","teacherMytSlug":"will-1","pictureUrl":"will.jpeg"},"title":"Yoga for PCOS: How a regular yoga practice can help you relieve PCOS","subTitle":null,"seoTitle":null,"seoDescription":"For women with PCOS, Exercise like pilates and yoga are a great choice for the following reasons! Read the blog to know more","readTime":null,"excerpt":null,"tags":[],"createdAt":"2022-12-02T10:30:33.809654+00:00","coverUrl":"ka5ed2fhlzx6v5coonue.jpg","content":{"text":"PCOS affects 12% of women during their childbearing years. This incurable syndrome can affect many aspects of a womens day to day life as well as their mental health. Yoga can help to take some of the pressure away mentally and physically. While there is no cure, the symptoms can be mangable with lifestyle changes such as effective diet and exercise routines. \\nWhat is PCOS?\\nPCOS is a hormonal disorder which causes the ovaries to be enlarged & small cyst to appear on the outer parts of the ovaries. This syndrome can cause issues with menstruation and fertility. \\n \\nWhat are the PCOS Symptoms?\\n According to John Hopkins University, the most common symptoms are: \\nMissed periods, irregular periods, or very light periods.\\nOvaries that are large or have many cysts.\\nExcess body hair, including the chest, stomach, and back (hirsutism)\\nWeight gain, especially around the belly (abdomen)\\nAcne or oily skin.\\nMale-pattern baldness or thinning hair.\\nInfertility symptoms\\nBenefits of Yoga for Women with PCOS\\nFor women who suffer from weight gain with PCOS, mind-body exercises can help burn calories & reduce stress. Exercise like pilates and yoga are a great choice for the following reasons! \\n1. Reduce Anxiety \\nMood swings, cravings and unbalanced emotions are very common with PCOS. Yoga can help to manage these symptoms by reducing stress and anxiety by reducing testosterone levels and balancing your blood sugar. \n\\n2. Balance Hormones\\nYoga is known to balance your endocrine system which will help to regulate your hormones internally. A regular yoga practice can help improve your period cycle and symptoms as well as stimulate your metabolism. Have you ever tried a hormone balancing yoga class?\\n Try our class with Gomati for free with our two week trial!\\n\n\\n3. Reduce Pain\\n \\nYoga is known to reduce chronic pain in those with inflammatory and autoimmune diseases.When you’re experiencing pain from your symptoms, try these asanas to ease the pain.\\n \\nYoga Asanas to Perform for PCOS Relief\\nBridge Pose (Setu Bandha Sarvangasana)\\n - Bridge pose reduces stress and anxiety while also stretching the lower back. \n\\n\\nReclined Butterfly Pose (Supta Baddha Konasan)\\n - Helps reduce cramping.\n\\n\\nChild's Pose (Balasana)\\n - Child's pose will help to open the hips and bring the body back to a natural state. \n\\n\\nBoat Pose (Naukasana)\\n - Boat pose reduces body fat and improves blood flow. \n\\n\\nLotus Pose (Padmasana)\\n - Resets hormones and reduces period discomfort. \n\\n\\n Other ways to improve PCOS symptoms\\nLifestyle and diet changes can help decrease symptoms and help you to maintain a more normal lifestyle. Try these tips to reduce your day to day symptoms. \\nEat whole foods! For women suffering with PCOS, the best diet is to eat foods in their most natural unprocessed form. When filling your plate, try to introduce lots of color into your meals. Stick to mostly plant based foods when possible but when eating meat, choose chicken or fish. Also make sure to regularly detox your body, Read the article to know more on How to \\nRejuvenate with a Body Detox at Home\\n\\nCreate a routine for balance. Our bodies are most at peace when they're on a schedule. Try to create a routine that works within your lifestyle and stick to it as often as possible. Try your best to keep your workouts and meals around the same time each day! If you need to be more flexible, you can choose time frames instead of an exact time. \\nHere’s an example schedule:\\n6:00 am morning workout.\\n9:00 am breakfast.\\n12:00 pm lunch. \\n3:00 pm snack.\\n6:00 pm dinner\\n9:00 pm night time meditation before bed. \\nGo for a walk! This is something so simple that we sometimes take for granted. Going for a walk is great to get moving & help balance our hormone levels! It’s also a great way to reset during your lunch break or at the end of the day. \\nCreate a mindfulness routine to reduce stress. In a 2015 clinical study, 69% of women with PCOS found meditation helps with PCOS by reducing psychological stress and improving participants overall quality of life. Think about adding a meditation practice to the end of your day or journaling over coffee before work. \\nEven on day’s that feel tough with your symptoms, there are so many benefits to taking time to do yoga or meditate. You don’t have to let PCOS define you, you can be in control when your mind is clear and your body is grounded into its routine. Ready to build a regular yoga routine? Get started with us at\\n Try our hormone balancing yoga class to rev up your system or a gentle yoga class to wind down!\\n MyYogaTeacher!\\n"},"category":["pain_management"]},{"id":"clb52ie0sp5ba0bk78n0v86hv","slug":"yoga-workshops-for-new-year-2023","author":{"name":"Will","teacherMytSlug":"will-1","pictureUrl":"will.jpeg"},"title":"Exciting New Yoga Workshops to Jumpstart Your New Year!","subTitle":null,"seoTitle":null,"seoDescription":"The new year yoga workshops are designed to give you all the tools you need to support your mental, emotional, and physical health! Check now and register","readTime":null,"excerpt":null,"tags":[],"createdAt":"2022-12-01T12:43:19.773552+00:00","coverUrl":"oteegmdl4axpzfhzpsj6.jpg","content":{"text":"Happy New Year!\\nAs each year comes to a close, there is an inevitable sense that the next year will be better. Smoother, less stressful, more joyful. There is \\nhope\\n. \n\\nAnd, there are, of course, resolutions. But what if resolutions were simply called “life changes?” Or better, \\nlifestyle\\n changes.\n\\nWhether your “resolution” this year is to lose weight, get in better shape, practice more selfcare, or improve your mental and emotional health, MyYogaTeacher is here to support you…not just for the year, for life.\n\\nIntroducing our Three New Yoga Workshops :\n\\nWe understand how hard it can be to start and keep a new habit going, even if you’re motivated to do so at the strike of midnight on New Year’s Eve. Somehow, life just gets in the way of progress as the new year passes. And good intentions remain just that. Intentions. \\n\\nThese workshops are designed to give you all the tools you need to support your mental, emotional, and physical New Year’s resolutions in the New Year and beyond! We hope you’ll check them out, register, and join us! \\nEach one is 30 days and begins on January 2, 2023!\\n\n\\n\\nStarting Selfcare in the New Year: A Sustainable Approach\\n\\n\\nMaking time to rest, relax, and reset is vital to our mental, emotional, and physical health. Yoga can play an important role in helping you relax (even during a busy day). A sustainable selfcare routine is a great way to start the New Year and support your whole body health for years to come!\n\\nAt MyYogaTeacher, we are all passionate about this topic and are excited to offer this 30-day workshop which will be led by expert MyYogaTeacher instructors, Preeti and Bodhi! \\nClick the workshop link above to register and learn more about what you can expect at each session of this workshop.\\n\n\\n\\n\n\\n\\nYoga for Weight Loss: Lose Weight & Keep it Off\\n\\n\\nIf you find it hard to start and/or stick to a weight loss routine or don’t know where to begin on your fitness journey, this 30-day workshop is for you! MyYogaTeacher is fortunate to have yoga instructors Anupama and Kanishka leading this workshop, experts in yoga, fitness, and nutrition! \\n\\nTake charge of your health and make it a priority as you learn about a yogic diet, asanas to help you lose weight, and build a fitness routine you will \\nwant\\n to stick with! All of our instructors are there to support you with group and 1-on-1 classes as well once the workshop is over. \\nClick the workshop link above to register and learn more about what you can expect at each session of this workshop!\\n\\n\\n\n\\n\\nGetting Fit for the New Year and Beyond\\n\\n\\nThe wonderful MyYogaTeacher experts leading this workshop, Shweta and Shikha, are dedicated to helping you reach your fitness goals! While this workshop is also excellent for those wanting to lose weight, it is designed for those who want to specifically work on developing more strength, flexibility, and balance!\\n\\nSometimes, we set goals for ourselves in the New Year and don’t have the support we need to reach them. This workshop ends that! Whether you’re already fit and looking to get fitter or you’re not in the shape you’d like to be and want to change that, this workshop will help you reach your goals and continue growing on your fitness journey. \\nClick the workshop link above to register and learn more about what you can expect at each session of this workshop!\\n\\n\\n\n\\nJoin us and let yoga lead you into the New Year (and a new life)!\\n"},"category":["myYogaTeacher"]},{"id":"claw7wcdkpmue0akb2dexmcnb","slug":"yoga-for-weight-loss-dec-22","author":{"name":"Will","teacherMytSlug":"will-1","pictureUrl":"will.jpeg"},"title":"Welcome to MyYogaTeacher’s Free Yoga for Weight Loss Event!","subTitle":null,"seoTitle":null,"seoDescription":"You’re invited to the three-day yoga event dedicated to helping you lose weight and live your healthiest life! Read to know more","readTime":null,"excerpt":null,"tags":[],"createdAt":"2022-11-25T08:04:13.345163+00:00","coverUrl":"hm7hviovmruyz1r1qmie.png","content":{"text":"You’re invited to the three-day yoga event from December 2-4 dedicated to helping you lose weight and live your healthiest life!\\nUse yoga to get fit, stay fit, and feel better!\\n\\nDespite what you may have heard, yoga \\ncan\\n help you lose weight, and lose it fast. The combination of stress reduction, physical exertion, and creation of new habits make yoga a great avenue for weight loss. \\n\\nAnd MyYogaTeacher makes sure you don’t have to do it alone!\\nDid you know that you can burn anywhere from 180-600 calories an hour doing yoga?! That’s a lot! And because a regular yoga practice comes with \\nso many\\n more benefits than weight loss, it’s worth it to try it out if you haven’t already! \\n\\nThe impacts of living a yogic lifestyle are nothing but positive, so we hope you’ll join us for the 3-day Yoga for Weight Loss Event!\\n\\nHow to join the Yoga for Better Emotional Balance Event:\\n\\nMembers\\nJust click the links below to one or all of the classes you’d like to attend and register as you would any other group class! Simple as that.\n\\nNon-Members\\n\\nClick this link to sign up for your free two week trial\\n to get access to this incredible event! No credit card required.\\n\n\\nAre you a nonmember who signed up for a trial in the past but it’s lapsed?\\nIf you’re not a member but signed up for a free-trial in the past, and it has expired, just reach out to \\ncare@myyogateacher.com\\n to let us know! We'll reset your trial and give you full access to the event.\\n\\n[NEW!] Referred friends & family:\\nDid you refer a friend or family member to MyYogaTeacher? We’re so grateful for you!\\nYour family or friend should create a free account (they’ll get 2-weeks of access plus three complimentary 1-on-1 sessions). And if they sign up for membership, you both get $100 off MyYogaTeacher credit.\\n\\nDiscover all the best ways yoga and meditation help you have emotional balance. So you can live your life to the fullest, even during times of stress.\\nWe've put together an entire schedule of relaxation classes dedicated to helping you relax and sleep better.\\n\\nCheck out the educational, inspiring, and exciting event classes and expert yoga instructors making this event happen!\\n(Click the class links to register for any or all of these amazing sessions!)\\n\\n\\nWeight Loss for Beginners: Mindful Movement with Kanishka\\n\\nFriday, December 2 from 5:00 pm PST/ 8:00 pm EST\\n\\nClick here to find out more or book this session\\n\n\\n\\n\\nScared to start a weight loss class because of your lack of fitness or flexibility? This beginner hatha yoga for weight loss class is for you! Join this introductory beginner hatha yoga class designed to help you build strength, flexibility, and stamina and boost your confidence as you pursue your weight loss goals.\\n\\n\\nYoga for Weight Loss: Stretch and Sweat with Ravin\\n\\nSaturday, December 3 from 5:30 pm PST/ 8:30 pm EST\\n\\nClick here to find out more or book this session\\n\n\\n\\n\\nYou can lose weight with yoga! Low impact exercise with a big impact on your health. This intense hatha yoga session for all fitness levels is guaranteed to work up a sweat and improve fitness, flexibility, and endurance. Join us!\\n\\n\\nHealthy and Fit: Yoga Asanas for Weight Loss with Gomati\\n\\nSunday, December 4 from 5:00 pm PST/ 8:00 pm EST\\n\\nClick here to find out more or book this session\\n\n\\n\\n\n\\nYoga makes it easy to prioritize your health! Get started on your weight loss journey in this 90 minute class dedicated to helping you get fit, healthy, and happy! Also, discover the important role your hormones play in your health. Join us!\\n\\nLet our expert yoga instructors guide you on a journey to better health! Here at MyYogaTeacher, we value building relationships with our yogi students and truly care about their health and wellness goals! MyYogaTeacher is unique in that you aren’t just a student when you join our community. You’re a friend! \\n\\nWe offer these events so you have the tools and guidance to live in harmony with your inner self, outer self, and the world. So you can move in the world with peace and good health. \\n\\nExperience weight loss in a way that works for you and \\nwith\\n you and build a consistent habit of making space for your health and wellness! We’re here to support you on your journey now \\nand\\n when the event is over!\\n\\nSo join us for this free event! And don’t forget to check out other weight loss related yoga classes MyYogaTeacher offers as a part of your membership or free trial! Or reach out to the yoga instructors below offering 1-on-1 sessions to address specific issues!\\n\\n\\nKanishka Pandey\\n\\n\\nAnuj Poonia\\n\\n\\nMonica Agarwal\\n\\n\\nAbhishek Bodhi\\n\\n\\nRavin Arya \\n\\n\\nGomati Woli\\n\\n\\nAnd remember: If you’re a nonmember who’s two-week free trial has ended, reach out to \\ncare@myyogateacher.com\\n to have your trial reset so you can easily sign up for these awesome classes!\\n\n\\nWelcome to MyYogaTeacher’s Yoga for Weight Loss Event!\\nSee you soon!\\n"},"category":["myYogaTeacher"]},{"id":"clas104kemz1o0bimrwa5ir7s","slug":"yoga-gift-card","author":{"name":"Will","teacherMytSlug":"will-1","pictureUrl":"will.jpeg"},"title":"10 Reasons To Give The Gift Of Yoga This Holiday Season","subTitle":null,"seoTitle":null,"seoDescription":"When you give someone the gift of yoga, you’re reminding them how important it is to take time for themselves! Read the blog to know more","readTime":null,"excerpt":null,"tags":[],"createdAt":"2022-11-22T09:40:07.784715+00:00","coverUrl":"eomsfhhpzm6rc4ndnem3.jpg","content":{"text":"As the holiday season takes off, it’s not always easy to find the perfect gift for all the special people in our lives. Trying to be unique or give something that stands out can be difficult. But yoga is the gift that keeps on giving! When you give someone the gift of yoga, you’re reminding them how important it is to take time for themselves. Helping them to create space and routine they may not have otherwise. Thinking of giving a \\nMyYogaTeacher gift card\\n for the holidays? There's so many reasons to give the gift of yoga and mindfulness this season! If you’re a yogi, you know the many benefits of yoga and how helpful it is to your day to day life! But maybe there’s someone in your life who has yet to discover the gift of yoga! \n\n\\nHere are the top 10 reasons to give the gift of yoga to someone you love. \\n It’s good for the environment!\\n Gifting a virtual gift card means no wrapping paper. Even if your recipient lives overseas it’s easy to just email the gift right to their inbox!\\nIt promotes self-care! \\nWhen you give the gift of yoga, you’re giving someone you love the chance to take time out of their busy schedule to practice self-care and self love. It’s such a beautiful way to show gratitude to those around us. \\nIt becomes a routine. \\nDid you know it takes 21 days to build a habit? When you give the gift of a month with \\nMyYogaTeacher \\nto someone, it will become part of their routine and lifestyle. And they’ll be grateful you gave them such a beautiful gift. Which brings us to the next reason….\\n \\nYoga creates a community. \\nFor those of us who are still working from home or may live far from those we love, MyYogaTeacher’s online classes give us a chance to create a yoga community while staying home. We look forward to our weekly classes with expert teachers and the friends we make along the way. \\n It’s good for the body! \\nUsually around the holidays we tend to indulge in the name of celebration. Yoga is a great way to balance out celebrating with mindful movement. \\n \\nIt will last long after the holidays.\\n A lot of times, we buy gifts for the moment and the facade wears off quickly. Rather than another useless gadget, yoga gives you the opportunity to learn something new. \\n Yoga can jumpstart your New Year’s goals! \\nMost of us start our fitness goals after the holiday rush. But by giving the gift of yoga, you give your loved ones a leg up on the gym game! \\n If you’re a member, it’s an opportunity to spend more time together. \\nPurchasing a gift card for a friend or family member means you can take classes together even if you’re apart! \\nYoga improves your outlook. \\nIf your loved one has had a tough year or is moving through a hard season in their life, yoga is a great way to increase happiness and overall outlook by introducing them to a mindful practice.\\n It relieves the effects of holiday stress. \\nBetween the shopping, parties and traffic, the holiday season can be \\nvery stressful\\n. Giving the gift of yoga to a stressed out holiday shopper could be just what they need to reset for the end of the year. \\n\n\\nA\\n giftcard to our virtual yoga platform\\n is great for so many people! Having a hard time knowing if it’s right for your recipient? Here’s our top five list! \\nFor that special someone who needs to relax.\\nFor someone in recovery from an injury.\\nFor someone who loves to workout.\\nFor the college student or teacher on holiday break.\\nFor a busy parent. \\nHead over to our website to grab your \\ngift cards\\n so you can do yoga with someone special in your life this holiday season. \\n"},"category":[]}],"randomPosts":[{"id":"clas104kemz1o0bimrwa5ir7s","slug":"yoga-gift-card","author":{"name":"Will","teacherMytSlug":"will-1","pictureUrl":"will.jpeg"},"title":"10 Reasons To Give The Gift Of Yoga This Holiday Season","createdAt":"2022-11-22T09:40:07.784715+00:00","coverUrl":"eomsfhhpzm6rc4ndnem3.jpg","content":{"text":"As the holiday season takes off, it’s not always easy to find the perfect gift for all the special people in our lives. Trying to be unique or give something that stands out can be difficult. But yoga is the gift that keeps on giving! When you give someone the gift of yoga, you’re reminding them how important it is to take time for themselves. Helping them to create space and routine they may not have otherwise. Thinking of giving a \\nMyYogaTeacher gift card\\n for the holidays? There's so many reasons to give the gift of yoga and mindfulness this season! If you’re a yogi, you know the many benefits of yoga and how helpful it is to your day to day life! But maybe there’s someone in your life who has yet to discover the gift of yoga! \n\n\\nHere are the top 10 reasons to give the gift of yoga to someone you love. \\n It’s good for the environment!\\n Gifting a virtual gift card means no wrapping paper. Even if your recipient lives overseas it’s easy to just email the gift right to their inbox!\\nIt promotes self-care! \\nWhen you give the gift of yoga, you’re giving someone you love the chance to take time out of their busy schedule to practice self-care and self love. It’s such a beautiful way to show gratitude to those around us. \\nIt becomes a routine. \\nDid you know it takes 21 days to build a habit? When you give the gift of a month with \\nMyYogaTeacher \\nto someone, it will become part of their routine and lifestyle. And they’ll be grateful you gave them such a beautiful gift. Which brings us to the next reason….\\n \\nYoga creates a community. \\nFor those of us who are still working from home or may live far from those we love, MyYogaTeacher’s online classes give us a chance to create a yoga community while staying home. We look forward to our weekly classes with expert teachers and the friends we make along the way. \\n It’s good for the body! \\nUsually around the holidays we tend to indulge in the name of celebration. Yoga is a great way to balance out celebrating with mindful movement. \\n \\nIt will last long after the holidays.\\n A lot of times, we buy gifts for the moment and the facade wears off quickly. Rather than another useless gadget, yoga gives you the opportunity to learn something new. \\n Yoga can jumpstart your New Year’s goals! \\nMost of us start our fitness goals after the holiday rush. But by giving the gift of yoga, you give your loved ones a leg up on the gym game! \\n If you’re a member, it’s an opportunity to spend more time together. \\nPurchasing a gift card for a friend or family member means you can take classes together even if you’re apart! \\nYoga improves your outlook. \\nIf your loved one has had a tough year or is moving through a hard season in their life, yoga is a great way to increase happiness and overall outlook by introducing them to a mindful practice.\\n It relieves the effects of holiday stress. \\nBetween the shopping, parties and traffic, the holiday season can be \\nvery stressful\\n. Giving the gift of yoga to a stressed out holiday shopper could be just what they need to reset for the end of the year. \\n\n\\nA\\n giftcard to our virtual yoga platform\\n is great for so many people! Having a hard time knowing if it’s right for your recipient? Here’s our top five list! \\nFor that special someone who needs to relax.\\nFor someone in recovery from an injury.\\nFor someone who loves to workout.\\nFor the college student or teacher on holiday break.\\nFor a busy parent. \\nHead over to our website to grab your \\ngift cards\\n so you can do yoga with someone special in your life this holiday season. \\n"}},{"id":"ckq8slfd45awx0a850p4c8z3w","slug":"what-is-yin-yoga","author":{"name":"Will","teacherMytSlug":"will-1","pictureUrl":"will.jpeg"},"title":"What Is Yin Yoga: Long Holds, Props, and a Wealth of Benefits","createdAt":"2021-06-23T01:23:01.93939+00:00","coverUrl":"gnawii6allphd4zcdbyu.png","content":{"text":"What Is Yin Yoga?\\nYin yoga is a very slow-paced style of yoga where poses are held for a long time — anywhere between five and twenty minutes — to target and stretch deep connective tissues like tendons, ligaments, and fascia.\\n\\nWe're all so busy and constantly connected these days. And while that may be good from a productivity standpoint, the constant buzz of modern life can cause serious problems with our physical, mental, and emotional health.\\nThe truth is, our bodies aren't meant to be in a state of constant stress with the sympathetic nervous system always on and ready to initiate that \"fight-flight-freeze\" response. As a result of constant stress, our bodies and minds become agitated, anxious, and fearful.\\nAnd so the cycle continues.\\nWe start experiencing this anxiety in our physical body as aches, pains, and tightness. This makes it so important to focus on activities that will help us calm our nervous systems and our minds.\n\nAnd that's where Yin yoga comes in.\\n[CTA-YIN]\\nOrigins of Yin Yoga\\nYin yoga combines concepts from both Indian and Chinese practices. From India, it adapts the postures of \\nHatha yoga\\n, marrying those poses with martial arts. Western yoga teachers like Paulie Zin, Sarah Powers, and others have contributed to modern Yin practice through integrating Buddhist meditative practice and Taoist principles.\\nThe Three Tattvas of Yin Yoga: Edge, Stillness, Time\\nTattva is the reality of something, its principle nature. There are three simple tattvas for a Yin yoga practice:\\nEdge\\nYour edge is how deep you go into each pose. This is very personal and the purpose is to go to where the body naturally stops you and stay there. Over time, your edge will change, meaning you'll be able to go deeper into a pose.\\nStillness\\nOnce you find your edge, stay there (as long as you're free from pain). Resting into Yin poses helps the deep connective tissues release.\\nTime\\nPoses are held for a long time in Yin yoga. This gives you time to fully release into a pose, getting the most benefit from each pose.\\nWhat Are the Benefits of Yin Yoga?\\nYin yoga is a wonderful complement to more physically demanding styles of yoga. And, like other yoga practices, \\nYin yoga\\n has several benefits to help us stay flexible and avoid injury. Here are some of the ways Yin can benefit you:\\nLengthens Connective Tissues and Increases Flexibility\\nYin yoga is all about holding poses for a long period of time. The purpose of this is to target the fascia, deep connective tissues around the muscles. This is also beneficial to other connective tissues like ligaments and tendons that tend to lose elasticity through aging and being underused. Through Yin yoga, we can increase flexibility in those connective tissues and offer better support to our joints, reducing joint stiffness, limited mobility, and pain.\\nBoosts Circulation\\nWhile it may seem counterintuitive, holding poses for a longer period of time can improve circulation. This is because you're giving your body more time to move oxygen through the body to its muscles and organs.\\nReduces Stress and Encourages Mindfulness\\nIf you've never experienced the deep calm that comes from a Yin yoga class, you're truly missing out on something special. Yoga is documented for helping to lower stress and anxiety, and Yin yoga is particularly adept at this thanks to the activation of the parasympathetic nervous system.\\nYin also encourages mindfulness through silence and stillness. As you relax into a pose and stay there for an extended period of time, your mind is given the space it needs to experience emotions that you might be pushing away.\\nWho Should Practice Yin Yoga?\\nEverybody!\\nYin yoga is a highly accessible \\ntype of yoga\\n that just about anyone can practice. Yin relies heavily on props to keep the body both stretched and supported and is a very slow-moving practice. If you come across a pose that doesn't work for your body, there are always going to be alternatives you can use instead.\\nWhat to Expect in a Yin Yoga Class\\nWhile no two studios or teachers are the same, there are a few typical features of Yin yoga that you can expect in any Yin yoga class.\\nLong Holds and Deep Stretches\\nPoses in Yin yoga can be held for two to five minutes up to 10 minutes or longer. Practitioners are encouraged to observe how the poses feel and let go, not dwelling on any particular sensation and, instead, letting the body really relax into the pose.\\nProps\\nProps are used in Yin because the length of time you hold the pose is much more important than how intense the pose is. Practitioners are encouraged to find their \"edge\" in each pose, the level of intensity that you can comfortably hold for a period of time. The props are there to help support your body at that edge without moving beyond it.\\nQuiet Time\\nYin yoga is deeply meditative. As such, most Yin classes include a lot of silence so you can listen to your breath and direct your awareness inward.\\nGentle Guidance\\nWe mentioned earlier that Yin is an accessible practice. That extends to the language that's used in Yin classes. Teachers will usually have variations available in case a pose doesn't work for your body and you'll likely be encouraged to use more props than you may think you need to support your body.\\nPractice Yin Yoga With myYogaTeacher\\nYin yoga strives to create a balance between the physical, mental, and emotional. In a world that's constantly on the move, a Yin practice can help restore balance.\\nIt focuses on the cooling energy of the body and, unlike an active practice that targets the muscles and builds strength, Yin yoga works into the connective tissue of the body to enhance flexibility.\\nThe postures in Yin yoga are held passively, often for several minutes, so the body finds a way to completely relax the muscles while in a pose. Holding poses for an extended period of time brings the mind and heart into a calm, meditative state. Check out our latest article to Loosen up Hips with \\nYin Yoga Sequence\\n\\nSounds heavenly, doesn't it?\\nIf you're interested in practicing Yin yoga with us, we'd love to see you in class! You can \\nsign up for a free two-week trial of myYogaTeacher\\n and get access to our Yin yoga classes along with 40+ other live online yoga classes every single day."}},{"id":"ckkss4i6g11qk0a81swms978n","slug":"clear-your-chakras","author":{"name":"Abhishek Sharma","teacherMytSlug":null,"pictureUrl":null},"title":"The Importance of Clearing Your Chakras and Why We Chant","createdAt":"2021-02-05T21:07:01.067503+00:00","coverUrl":"clear-your-chakras_72106447.png","content":{"text":"Maybe you don’t expect to see a chakra clearing session mixed in with yoga classes. The western part of the world tends to be more focused on outward results, and you do yoga because that’s what you want. Results.\\n\\nStrength. Flexibility. Toning. Gentle exercise for an injured or unconditioned body.\\n\\nAnd you know nothing of chakras or chanting or all that other “woo woo” stuff.\\n\\nThe truth is, yoga, chakra clearing, and chanting work together to create harmony with your inner and outer world. They are all forms of meditation!\\n\\nIf you’re new to the woo, then this post will be helpful in understanding why I offer a \\nChakras and Sound Healing class \\nthrough myYogaTeacher.\\n\\n[CTA-DEFAULT]\\nWhat are chakras anyway?\\n\\nChakras are energy points in your body that correspond to organs, nerves, and areas of our body that affect our mental, physical, and emotional well-being. We are all made up of energy! Everything is made of energy.\\n\\nSo it is no surprise that energy flows through and around us.\\n\\nWhen your chakras or energy centers are off balance or blocked, you may experience negative emotional or physical symptoms related to a particular chakra.\\n\\nThe seven main chakras are:\\n\\n1. Root chakra (Muladhara): \\n Responsible for your sense of security, stability, and safety.\\n2. Sacral chakra (Svadhisthana):\\n Responsible for sexual and creative energy and linked to how you relate to and connect with others.\\n3. Solar plexus chakra (Manipura):\\n Corresponds to confidence, self-esteem, and helps you feel in control of your life.\\n4. Heart chakra (Anahata):\\n All about our ability to love and show compassion.\\n5. Throat chakra (Vishuddha):\\n Has to do with how we communicate verbally.\\n6. Third eye chakra (Ajna):\\n Linked to intuition and imagination.\\n7. Crown chakra (Sahasrara):\\n Represents your spiritual connection to self, others, and the Universe/God. Also linked to your life’s purpose.\\n\\nHow do you know if you have one or many – or any – blocked chakras? And what does clearing them even mean? Or do?\\n\\n\\n\\n\\nClear your chakras and improve your life.\\n\\nHaving balanced chakras (or imbalanced ones) impacts all areas of your life. Chakras are receptors and emitters. They receive and give back energy. You will receive the same frequency of energy back from the world that you emit.\\n\\nAn easily relatable example of this is when you constantly see the negative attributes in someone’s character. The more you talk, think, and explore those negative things, the more you will find. This also works in reverse. When we love someone, we choose to see all the good things in them, which leads us to find more good things. \\n\\nWhen you feel poor, you often act poor. So you receive more of the same. When you are unkind, you are often met with unkindness.\\n\\nThis is energy. Chakra energy.\\n\\nHere are some physical signs you can use to determine if you have blocked or imbalanced chakras:\\n\\n1. Root chakra:\\n Stress about money, digestive issues, arthritis, problems in the legs, feet, tailbone or rectum, prostate issues.\\n2. Sacral chakra:\\n Constant fear of betrayal, sexual or reproductive health issues, hip or lower back pain, urinary or kidney dysfunction.\\n3. Solar plexus chakra:\\n Fear of rejection, digestive issues, chronic fatigue, pancreas or gallbladder problems.\\n4. Heart chakra: \\nFear of being alone, asthma, arm and wrist pain, jealousy or bitterness, upper back or shoulder problems.\\n5. Throat chakra: \\nFear being out of control, thyroid issues, sore throats, ear infections, trouble expressing yourself, neck and shoulder pain.\\n6. Third eye chakra:\\n Moodiness or stubbornness, blurry vision or eye problems, sinus issues, headaches.\\n7. Crown chakra: \\nFear of alienation, rigid thoughts, analysis paralysis.\\n\\nRegularly clearing your chakras through a guided chakra clearing session or by visiting an energy healer will help alleviate many of these symptoms.\\n\\nAnd don’t rule it out as a part of your regular yoga routine!\\n\\n\\n\\nWhy we chant and other “weird” meditation practices\\n\\nYou may not feel comfortable chanting at the end of your yoga practice. Might want to check on your throat chakra about that (jk)!\\n\\nOr maybe it’s just unfamiliar to you. Why do we do it? What’s the point? \\n\\nSound healing is real. \\nThe practice of using vibrations in order to relax and heal the body has been scientifically proven to be effective.\\n\\nTraditionally, the chanting of “Om” (pronounced “AUM”) happens at the beginning and end of a yoga or meditation session. The letters AUM symbolize the divine energy of Shakti. Shakti is referred to as the “Great Divine Mother” in Hinduism. \\n\\nThe three main characteristics of Shakti are creation, preservation, and liberation.\\n\\nThe sound Om, when done correctly, vibrates at a frequency of 432 Hz, the same frequency as everything throughout nature. It’s a universal sound that helps us connect with ourselves and everything around us.\\n\\nChanting not only helps us open and close our practice, separating it from the rest of our day. It also helps slow down the nervous system and calm the mind.\\n\\nJust as chanting helps calm the mind and connect and ground us to the present, “Namaste” shows respect and reverence for the experience, the Universe, and the other people around you.\\n\\nIt may seem weird to you, but think of it as a handshake of gratitude to your body, your instructor, and the planet that supports you both.\\n\\n\\n\\n\\n\\nI encourage you to challenge yourself to a\\n Chakra and Sound Healing session\\n. Feel the difference in your heart, mind, and body afterwards. Pay attention to how it makes you feel. Do any parts of your body ache or hurt less? Is your mind more calm and focused? Do you feel more connected to yourself and nature?\\n\\nThese are some of the benefits you may experience!\\n\\nNot sure about it just yet? \\nmyYogaTeacher offers a 2-week free trial\\n where you have access to my class and many more! Group yoga, meditation, sound healing, and chakra clearing classes from the comfort of your own home. \\n\\nAll are welcome here!\\n\\n\\n\\n\\n\\n"}}],"relatedPosts":[{"id":"clas104kemz1o0bimrwa5ir7s","slug":"yoga-gift-card","author":{"name":"Will","teacherMytSlug":"will-1","pictureUrl":"will.jpeg"},"title":"10 Reasons To Give The Gift Of Yoga This Holiday Season","createdAt":"2022-11-22T09:40:07.784715+00:00","coverUrl":"eomsfhhpzm6rc4ndnem3.jpg","content":{"text":"As the holiday season takes off, it’s not always easy to find the perfect gift for all the special people in our lives. Trying to be unique or give something that stands out can be difficult. But yoga is the gift that keeps on giving! When you give someone the gift of yoga, you’re reminding them how important it is to take time for themselves. Helping them to create space and routine they may not have otherwise. Thinking of giving a \\nMyYogaTeacher gift card\\n for the holidays? There's so many reasons to give the gift of yoga and mindfulness this season! If you’re a yogi, you know the many benefits of yoga and how helpful it is to your day to day life! But maybe there’s someone in your life who has yet to discover the gift of yoga! \n\n\\nHere are the top 10 reasons to give the gift of yoga to someone you love. \\n It’s good for the environment!\\n Gifting a virtual gift card means no wrapping paper. Even if your recipient lives overseas it’s easy to just email the gift right to their inbox!\\nIt promotes self-care! \\nWhen you give the gift of yoga, you’re giving someone you love the chance to take time out of their busy schedule to practice self-care and self love. It’s such a beautiful way to show gratitude to those around us. \\nIt becomes a routine. \\nDid you know it takes 21 days to build a habit? When you give the gift of a month with \\nMyYogaTeacher \\nto someone, it will become part of their routine and lifestyle. And they’ll be grateful you gave them such a beautiful gift. Which brings us to the next reason….\\n \\nYoga creates a community. \\nFor those of us who are still working from home or may live far from those we love, MyYogaTeacher’s online classes give us a chance to create a yoga community while staying home. We look forward to our weekly classes with expert teachers and the friends we make along the way. \\n It’s good for the body! \\nUsually around the holidays we tend to indulge in the name of celebration. Yoga is a great way to balance out celebrating with mindful movement. \\n \\nIt will last long after the holidays.\\n A lot of times, we buy gifts for the moment and the facade wears off quickly. Rather than another useless gadget, yoga gives you the opportunity to learn something new. \\n Yoga can jumpstart your New Year’s goals! \\nMost of us start our fitness goals after the holiday rush. But by giving the gift of yoga, you give your loved ones a leg up on the gym game! \\n If you’re a member, it’s an opportunity to spend more time together. \\nPurchasing a gift card for a friend or family member means you can take classes together even if you’re apart! \\nYoga improves your outlook. \\nIf your loved one has had a tough year or is moving through a hard season in their life, yoga is a great way to increase happiness and overall outlook by introducing them to a mindful practice.\\n It relieves the effects of holiday stress. \\nBetween the shopping, parties and traffic, the holiday season can be \\nvery stressful\\n. Giving the gift of yoga to a stressed out holiday shopper could be just what they need to reset for the end of the year. \\n\n\\nA\\n giftcard to our virtual yoga platform\\n is great for so many people! Having a hard time knowing if it’s right for your recipient? Here’s our top five list! \\nFor that special someone who needs to relax.\\nFor someone in recovery from an injury.\\nFor someone who loves to workout.\\nFor the college student or teacher on holiday break.\\nFor a busy parent. \\nHead over to our website to grab your \\ngift cards\\n so you can do yoga with someone special in your life this holiday season. \\n"}},{"id":"cla8lbvafc0i70ak9u3yp18ji","slug":"yin-yoga-for-arthritis","author":{"name":"Will","teacherMytSlug":"will-1","pictureUrl":"will.jpeg"},"title":"Yin Yoga for Arthritis: 10 poses to ease your pain","createdAt":"2022-11-08T19:13:44.482852+00:00","coverUrl":"ipqjb5ugsgcaxzssgbhi.jpg","content":{"text":"When your body is achy and it feels hard to mobilize, you may be suffering from arthritis. This very common inflammation of the joints affects 24% of adults. In a 2019 study on inflammation biomarkers, Research for nursing found that yoga is great for pain intervention, saying “yoga may be particularly effective in reducing inflammation because, unlike exercise or stress reduction alone, yoga has components of both relaxation techniques and exercise.” Yoga can help to ease your pain and help you to go about your day good as new. \\n\\nCommon causes of Arthritis\\nThe most common causes for arthritis are age, genetics, weight gain and previous injury. Even though it can be long lasting, arthritis is treatable with movement therapies like yoga and meditation and lucky for us, Yin combines both! Building a yoga practice into your routine can alleviate joint pain as well as improve flexibility and joint function. Yoga can also help you manage the stress caused by pain which will result in better days and less sleepless nights. \\n\n\\nTypes of Arthritis\\nThere are three common types of arthritis. \\n1. Osteoarthritis, which is the most common cause of arthritis and is known as “wear and tear” on the joints. It most frequently occurs in the hips, hands and knees. \\n2. Rheumatoid Arthritis, which is autoimmune disorder and creates inflammation in the hands and feet. \\n3. Fibromyalgia which causes pain all over the body and fatigue. All three of these can be eased by a yin-yoga practice. \\n\n\\nWhy Yin Yoga for Arthritis?\\nYin yoga is a style of movement based in Chinese medicine. Yin’s specific goal is to rebalance the body and mind. It’s not simply a practice for strength or flexibility but a practice where movement is the medicine. Unlike any other yoga or workout class, yin goes deeper to connect under your skin to your ligaments, deep tissue and bones.\\n\n\\nBuilding your yin-yoga practice online with us at \\nMyYogaTeacher\\n is also beneficial because even on days when the pain seems too intense, you don’t need to leave your home to get to your practice. You can pull up our live classes 24/7 with expert Indian instructors who are ready to help you move through your pain. Our classes are there everyday to help you manage your pain and get in your practice! We make yoga accessible for everyone. A slow yin practice is a great place to start! Yin can relieve pain by reducing physical and mental stress and pressure off the body. Let’s start by finding some moves to get you going! \\n\\n10 Ying Yoga Poses to Ease Your Arthritis Pain\\nWhen practicing these yin yoga poses, it’s best to hold each stretch for 30 seconds to two minutes. These stretches will help bring flexibility into your joints! \\n\\n1. Wide Knee Child’s Pose\n\\n\\n\nThis pose is great for lower back pain and your hip flexors. Also great for pain in the sciatic nerve. \n\\n2. Thunderbolt Pose\n\\n\\n\\nThis pose improves blood circulation and posture easing pain in the spine. \n\\n3. Cobra Pose\n\\n\\n\\nThis pose opens the lungs while stretching the spine and shoulders. This will help you open your chest. \n\\n4. Forward Fold Pose\n\\n\\n\\nFolding the body down is known to calm the mind and lower blood pressure. Come to this pose when you feel anxious or stressed and need to slow down. \n\\n5. Side Angle Bend Pose\n\\n\\n\\nSide angle opens the side body and takes pressure off your hips.\n\\n6. Chair Pose\n\\n\\n\\nChair pose makes your legs stronger, giving you more stability in the knees and more flexibility in the ankles. \n\\n7. Pigeon Pose\n\\n\\n\\nThis pose supports flexibility and mobility in the hip joint. If you’re suffering from osteoarthritis, this pose will help target your lower back and hips. \n\\n8. Bridge Pose\n\\n\\n\nThis powerhouse pose will improve blood circulation and ease stress while also stretching your neck, chest and hamstrings. Come to this pose when you feel stiff. Move through it slowly. \\n\\n9. Wind Reliever Pose\n\\n\\n\nThis pose stabilizes your center of gravity, your pelvis. It also guards you muscles and eases pain along the spine. \\n\\n10. Savasana Pose\n\\n\\n\nFinally, Savasana is so important in your practice. This corpse pose slows down your nervous system while you focus on your breath. It calms the mind and reduces fatigue and anxiety. This is a great place to start or end your yoga practice. \\n\\nOther ways to relieve arthritis pain\\nWant to try other holistic ways to ease your pain? We’ve got you covered! Here are the top five things to add into your routine to feel like your best self!\\nAdd color to your diet! It’s so important to “eat the rainbow” eating lots of fruits and veggies gives you a vitamin boost and helps to naturally fight inflammation. \\nChange up the temp. Adding a hot or cold compress to the affected area is a quick fix when you’re feeling pain. Try a heating pad or an ice pack if you’re short on time. If you have time to relax, try soaking in a warm bath!\\nAdd herbs. Turmeric and ginger can help fight pain and inflammation in the body. Add these herbs to your meals or try ginger tea at night to wake up pain free.\\nAdd more self care to your routine. Book a deep tissue massage or a sauna session so you can relax your body and mind.\\nPractice mindfulness. A meditation practice pairs great with a new yoga practice! You can meditate on your own or get started with us in meditation class! \n\\nTry these classes to get started! \\n\\nStretch and Breath with Shrutika\\n. This class will increase range of motion, control and flexibility in the joints.\\n\\nTotal Body Yin\\n. This slow restorative practice will stretch deep into your joints and facia. This is a great practice to end your day with. \\n\\nYoga for Back Health.\\n This mostly seated class will help you work through any back pain while strengthening your spine and surrounding muscles. \\nIf you’re ready to start your journey to recovery, join us for a practice at \\nMyYogaTeacher.\\n\\nOur expert yoga therapist will help you move through your pain or start a mindfulness practice so you can get back to feeling healthy and pain free! Our 2-Week Free Trial - includes 14 days of unlimited group classes plus 2 complimentary 1-on-1 sessions, that’s a $102 value - for free!\\nThere’s a plan for every yogi! Begin your journey with us today."}},{"id":"cl31z7b95pf2h0ck3sna7w2xg","slug":"yoga-for-women-over-50","author":{"name":"Vineeta","teacherMytSlug":null,"pictureUrl":null},"title":"5 Yoga Poses for Older Women: Yoga for Women Over 50","createdAt":"2022-05-11T19:29:46.900088+00:00","coverUrl":"shfqitaozmzufddc6ift.jpg","content":{"text":"Yoga is for every body. And that’s just one of the wonderful things about it! Another wonderful thing is there are\\n specific\\n yoga poses for women, men, children, disabled people, seniors. \\nA yoga practice can be tailored to meet the varying and specific individual needs of a person or of a collective group of people. Here, I’ll be addressing the physical, mental, and emotional needs of women over the age of 50 with yoga poses that are particularly beneficial to them.\\nHi! My name is Vaneeta! I teach a\\n Yoga for Women\\n group class at MyYogaTeacher. Women are the source of life and energy on the planet. And a woman advances through many phases of life from motherhood to \\nmenopause\\n. Women who are entering the stage of life that is after menopause have specific needs that can be addressed with yoga!\\nNot a MyYogaTeacher member? Whether you’re interested in teaching yoga, starting yoga, or growing in your yoga journey, MyYogaTeacher is a great place to do it!\\nWhen you sign up for a 1:1 membership with us you get:\n\\n102 expert\\n, highly qualified yoga instructors to choose from\\nThe ability to switch instructors\\n or take classes with only your faves\\nAccess to unlimited group classes\\n, taught \\nlive\\nPersonalized instruction\\n and work out, diet, and lifestyle plans\\nTo be a member of a HUGE community\\n of happy yogis from around the world\\nYoga teachers who become friends\\n, who truly care about you!\\nIf you haven’t checked us out already, \\ngrab two free 1:1 sessions with your 2-week free trial here\\n!\\nI hope you’ll try some of these yoga poses for women over 50 and then join my class on MyYogaTeacher for more!\\nOne key to doing yoga at an older age is using props that help you remain stable, safe, and aligned. I recommend using blocks and/or a chair along with your mat.\\n\\n\\n\\n1. Cat and Cow Pose\\nCat and Cow pose is great for anyone at any age, but it’s a great way for women to begin warming up their back and abdominal muscles in a way that is gradual and stable. Supporting your weight on all fours is also a great way to keep arm and chest muscles (that maybe don’t get used as much as we age) strong and conditioned. Women over 50 tend to start experiencing stiffness and reduced mobility in their backs, so cat and cow pose is perfect for helping with those issues as well!\\nAdditionally, because cat and cow pose is designed to sync with your breath, it is a great way to cleanse emotionally. Since changes in your body can cause emotional distress, particularly in older women, this yoga pose helps women release those emotions before moving forward with more challenging poses.\\n\\n\\n\\n2. Downward Facing Dog\\nOtherwise known as “Down Dog,” this yoga pose is great for older women because it:\\nStretches out the calves, hamstrings, and back \\nBuilds strength in the arms and chest \\nIncreases flexibility in the shoulders\\nBoosts circulation of oxygen and nutrients to otherwise contracting muscles\\nShoulder joints tend to wear out as women age, which makes them susceptible to injuring their shoulders. Building strength in the arms and chest helps protect those increasingly fragile shoulder joints. \\nEmotionally, down dog instills a sense of empowerment and increases feelings of confidence and accomplishment, two things women over 50 tend to struggle with when they notice the changes in their bodies.\\nAdditionally, once a women passes through menopause, muscles tend to tighten and contract due to reduction in hormones and hormone production. Downward facing dog is a perfect yoga pose for women over 50 because it keeps their leg and back muscles lengthened and promotes good circulation!\\n\\n\n3. Modified Cobbler’s Pose\\nAs women age, it is common for them to encounter knee problems and knee pain, making some yoga poses difficult. However, many yoga poses that increase flexibility and circulation to the hip flexors and hip joints require bent knees. \\nPerforming cobbler’s pose on a block or bolster where your hips are higher than your knees helps decrease the pressure on your knees while still reaping the gentle benefits of hip stretching. You may also choose to put blocks underneath your knees or move your feet further away from your body so that the angle of bend in your knees isn’t as sharp.\\nEither way, this pose is proof that yoga for women over 50 is doable, even if you’re experiencing physical challenges and physiological changes.\\n\\n\n4. Modified Tree Pose\\nBalancing postures are a common theme in many forms of yoga. They help yogis learn how to focus better, increase concentration, and (importantly for older women) strengthen the tiny muscles in our feet and ankles.\\nOlder women may begin to experience balance issues as they age. This is common and normal!\\nThe more you work to strengthen the muscles in your feet and ankles, the less likely you will be to lose your balance! Additionally, yoga for women helps you navigate the mental changes you may experience by helping with memory, focus, and concentration.\\nUse a chair, wall, or other stable object if needed. You may also place your non-standing foot on your calf or even at your ankle until you are comfortable moving it further up.\\n\\n\\n5. Child’s Pose\\nEveryone loves child’s pose! It’s a great stretch for your back, arms, neck, and even hips and glutes. Older women may want to rest their forehead on a block and/or place a blanket underneath their hips to alleviate any discomfort.\\nTaking some much needed time in child’s pose allows women to reflect on how their body feels and release any negative thoughts about the changes that may be occurring in their body as they age.\\nI would love to have you join us in the Yoga for \\nSenior\\n class, where I not only teach a yoga class specifically catered to women’s needs but talk about common issues women face as they transition into and out of different phases of life! also Check out our latest \\nWellness\\n class for seniors!\\nMyYogaTeacher offers 1:1 classes with authentic yoga instructors from the birthplace of yoga, India! And if you haven’t experienced virtual private yoga classes yet, MyYogaTeacher makes 1:1 classes affordable and accessible! PLUS, with your membership, you get:\\nRadiance! More energy, peace of mind, and better health & fitness\\n42+ daily group yoga classes, 100% live!\\nDiscounted yoga workshops, all live and interactive!\\nMaking new like-minded friends from around the world\\n\\nGrab your 2-week free trial and check out your membership options here!\\n\\nNamaste!"}}],"blogContent":{"id":"cks0vdmewusrb0b32oi65ka9z","slug":"yoga-as-medicine","author":{"name":"Will","teacherMytSlug":null,"pictureUrl":null},"title":"How Yoga Works With Modern Medicine: Medical Yoga Therapy","createdAt":"2021-08-06T21:38:11.077476+00:00","updatedAt":"2022-07-01T08:51:34.951998+00:00","coverUrl":"jtsbxwjcix1u5emuxe0l.jpg","seoDescription":"Medical yoga therapy works with modern medicine to benefit people just like you. Explore how yoga and medicine work together!","content":{"text":"Modern science is slowly, but surely embracing so many things from ancient Eastern culture. More and more therapists are using yoga as a tool for psychotherapy, a “prescription” for mental health problems.\\nBut what about conventional medicine? \\nCan general practitioners use yoga as a prescription for some illnesses instead of leaning solely on medications?\\nThe correct mix of modern technology and ancient medicine could be just what the conventional medicine world needs to be untouchable!\\nTurns out yoga has been proven to heal all kinds of ailments, which technically makes it an exercise, meditation, \\nand\\n a \\nmedicine\\n. Here at MyYogaTeacher, we think that’s pretty cool and wanted to explore how the modern medicine and yoga worlds are starting to collide.\\nOne of the benefits of being a myYogaTeacher member is that you get to experience all kinds of yoga classes, even ones designed to help treat or prevent medical problems, taught by highly trained and experienced expert instructors. \\nIf you haven’t checked it out yet, click here to enjoy your 2-week free trial!\\n\\nWhat is medical yoga therapy?\\nAccording to the National Institute of Health, medical yoga is defined as “the use of yoga practices for the prevention and treatment of medical conditions.” \\nYoga clearly has therapeutic benefits when it comes to helping people manage stress, anxiety, depression, and a whole host of other mental illnesses. In many cases, a regular yoga practice can end those debilitating issues completely.\\nThe physical side effects of yoga are what truly makes this ancient practice a “modern miracle” for patients suffering from various medical conditions.\\nStudies show that medical yoga therapy improves (and helps control) glucose levels, musculoskeletal ailments, and helps keep the cardiovascular system in check.\\nMedical therapy yoga includes all the aspects of yoga that one may expect from any other yoga practice: asanas, breath work, meditation. But it is much more comprehensive than that.\\nYoga as a prescription\\nYoga doesn’t just treat and prevent illnesses like diabetes, high blood pressure, menstrual disorders, heart disease, and hormone imbalances. \\nIt helps people create a state of well being, where they can understand the underlying cause of their conditions. When they can understand it themselves, they are more capable of being proactive in preventing the recurrence of their illness or the development of new ones.\\nThis is huge in the world of modern medicine! \\nMedical yoga therapy is an individualized (and holistic) approach to medicine. This means it doesn’t just incorporate the actual practice of yoga, breathwork and meditation. It involves a patient’s family, work environment, support network, and culture in the treatment plan.\\nYoga alone may not be the best prescription. It’s up to a person’s doctor to decide if other treatments are necessary in conjunction with medical yoga therapy. And we are in no way recommending you abandon your doctor’s treatment plan without speaking with them first. \\nHowever, it is not an unlikely scenario that patients who are at risk of developing certain medical conditions could be prescribed yoga to prevent said conditions from occurring! \\nThis would help people avoid more intense (and costly) medical interventions!\\nWhile we are a long way from doctors prescribing yoga as a medicine over pills, there is room to believe that it’s a possibility in the future.\\nHow medical yoga therapy works\\nThe question many people ask about all of this is “how.”\\nHow can something as simple as yoga actually cure and prevent physical medical problems?! \\nFirst, we’d like to give you a good idea of types of conditions yoga can help with:\\nDiabetes - Yoga reduces fasting insulin levels, which normalizes the insulin-to-glucose ratio. It also increases circulation, which improves nerve damage caused by the disease.\\nHypertension - The various breathing techniques practiced in yoga, along with meditation, alleviates stress, tension, and physical pain in various areas of the body, all of which can be a primary cause of high blood pressure.\\nHeart disease - Yoga is a useful lifestyle intervention for people who suffer from high cholesterol, atrial fibrillation, and helps decrease waist circumference. \\nArthritis - The improved strength and flexibility that are associated with yoga also help relieve symptoms of arthritis and chronic back pain, knee pain, and neck pain.\\nThere are many medical conditions that are improved by a consistent yoga practice, but the above illnesses are especially receptive to medical yoga therapy.\\nOn top of that, yoga is an exercise that literally \\nanyone\\n can do!\\nWe know we’ve said it before, but we can’t iterate it enough. Yoga is good for everyone, whether you’re practicing for medical reasons or not. Any size, shape, or age. And it’s incredibly accessible.\\nYoga balances the autonomic nervous system by stimulating the parasympathetic nervous system. \\nThroughout your day, your body is responding to the outside stimuli it experiences, whether you realize it or not. Stress, a not so healthy diet, pain (physical, mental, or emotional), disease, illness. All of these things stimulate the sympathetic nervous system, the “fight or flight” mode your body has to protect itself against all the bad things it encounters.\\nWhen one practices yoga, the parasympathetic nervous system (the “rest and digest” system) is activated, lowering blood pressure, releasing endorphins. Your blood vessels dilate, which means better circulation, more nutrients to your organs. \\nHere are some other benefits of a regular yoga practice:\\nIncreased release of hormones such as GABA, serotonin, and dopamine, all hormones that prevent and cure depression and anxiety.\\nIncreased levels of melatonin, the naturally occurring chemical in your body that helps you sleep\\nIncreased levels of oxytocin, the chemical in your body that helps you feel connected, feel seen and heard.\\nIncreased levels of leptin and adiponectin, chemicals that work to alleviate inflammation in the body.\\nYoga means better health. Better immunity.\\nThere are no bad side effects, like you may have with prescription or OTC medications.\\nThe science is there. Yoga can actually save lives. \\nYoga and aging\\nWe thought this topic deserved a section all to itself. The science demonstrates that yoga increases your lifespan.\\nAccording to the National Institute of Health, studies show that regular yoga practice stabilizes, and even lengthens, telomeres. What are those?\\nWe thought you’d never ask. Telomeres are small, repetitive chromosomal sequences found at the end of chromosomes that protect the chromosome from dying. They prevent cell death. The older we get, the shorter the telomeres get. The structural integrity of our chromosomes decreases.\\nThis process is one of the causes of diseases such as Alzheimer’s, dementia, cancer, macular degeneration, cardiovascular disease, and stroke, amongst others.\\nPretty impressive that yoga can play such a significant role in our wellbeing and longevity!\\nHere at myYogaTeacher, we are passionate about advocating for the betterment of people. We want to help you feel better, be healthier, and support you on your journey to harmony with your inner and outer world.\\nIf you’re still on the fence about becoming a MYT member, we invite you to \\ngrab your free 2-week trial here\\n and take advantage of the 35+ classes we offer with experienced, expert instructors you can trust. \\nWe can’t wait to see you on the mat!","html":"<p>Modern science is slowly, but surely embracing so many things from ancient Eastern culture. More and more therapists are using yoga as a tool for psychotherapy, a “prescription” for mental health problems.</p><p>But what about conventional medicine? </p><p>Can general practitioners use yoga as a prescription for some illnesses instead of leaning solely on medications?</p><p>The correct mix of modern technology and ancient medicine could be just what the conventional medicine world needs to be untouchable!</p><p>Turns out yoga has been proven to heal all kinds of ailments, which technically makes it an exercise, meditation, <em>and</em> a <a target='_blank' title=\"https://www.myyogateacher.com/articles/different-types-of-medicine\" href=\"https://www.myyogateacher.com/articles/different-types-of-medicine\">medicine</a>. Here at MyYogaTeacher, we think that’s pretty cool and wanted to explore how the modern medicine and yoga worlds are starting to collide.</p><p>One of the benefits of being a myYogaTeacher member is that you get to experience all kinds of yoga classes, even ones designed to help treat or prevent medical problems, taught by highly trained and experienced expert instructors. <a title=\"https://www.myyogateacher.com/dashboard\" href=\"https://www.myyogateacher.com/dashboard\"><u>If you haven’t checked it out yet, click here to enjoy your 2-week free trial!</u></a></p><h2>What is medical yoga therapy?</h2><p>According to the National Institute of Health, medical yoga is defined as “the use of yoga practices for the prevention and treatment of medical conditions.” </p><p>Yoga clearly has therapeutic benefits when it comes to helping people manage stress, anxiety, depression, and a whole host of other mental illnesses. In many cases, a regular yoga practice can end those debilitating issues completely.</p><p>The physical side effects of yoga are what truly makes this ancient practice a “modern miracle” for patients suffering from various medical conditions.</p><p>Studies show that medical yoga therapy improves (and helps control) glucose levels, musculoskeletal ailments, and helps keep the cardiovascular system in check.</p><p>Medical therapy yoga includes all the aspects of yoga that one may expect from any other yoga practice: asanas, breath work, meditation. But it is much more comprehensive than that.</p><h2>Yoga as a prescription</h2><p>Yoga doesn’t just treat and prevent illnesses like diabetes, high blood pressure, menstrual disorders, heart disease, and hormone imbalances. </p><p>It helps people create a state of well being, where they can understand the underlying cause of their conditions. When they can understand it themselves, they are more capable of being proactive in preventing the recurrence of their illness or the development of new ones.</p><p>This is huge in the world of modern medicine! </p><p>Medical yoga therapy is an individualized (and holistic) approach to medicine. This means it doesn’t just incorporate the actual practice of yoga, breathwork and meditation. It involves a patient’s family, work environment, support network, and culture in the treatment plan.</p><p>Yoga alone may not be the best prescription. It’s up to a person’s doctor to decide if other treatments are necessary in conjunction with medical yoga therapy. And we are in no way recommending you abandon your doctor’s treatment plan without speaking with them first. </p><p>However, it is not an unlikely scenario that patients who are at risk of developing certain medical conditions could be prescribed yoga to prevent said conditions from occurring! </p><p>This would help people avoid more intense (and costly) medical interventions!</p><p>While we are a long way from doctors prescribing yoga as a medicine over pills, there is room to believe that it’s a possibility in the future.</p><h2>How medical yoga therapy works</h2><p>The question many people ask about all of this is “how.”</p><p>How can something as simple as yoga actually cure and prevent physical medical problems?! </p><p>First, we’d like to give you a good idea of types of conditions yoga can help with:</p><ul><li><div>Diabetes - Yoga reduces fasting insulin levels, which normalizes the insulin-to-glucose ratio. It also increases circulation, which improves nerve damage caused by the disease.</div></li><li><div>Hypertension - The various breathing techniques practiced in yoga, along with meditation, alleviates stress, tension, and physical pain in various areas of the body, all of which can be a primary cause of high blood pressure.</div></li><li><div>Heart disease - Yoga is a useful lifestyle intervention for people who suffer from high cholesterol, atrial fibrillation, and helps decrease waist circumference. </div></li><li><div>Arthritis - The improved strength and flexibility that are associated with yoga also help relieve symptoms of arthritis and chronic back pain, knee pain, and neck pain.</div></li></ul><p>There are many medical conditions that are improved by a consistent yoga practice, but the above illnesses are especially receptive to medical yoga therapy.</p><p>On top of that, yoga is an exercise that literally <em>anyone</em> can do!</p><p>We know we’ve said it before, but we can’t iterate it enough. Yoga is good for everyone, whether you’re practicing for medical reasons or not. Any size, shape, or age. And it’s incredibly accessible.</p><p>Yoga balances the autonomic nervous system by stimulating the parasympathetic nervous system. </p><p>Throughout your day, your body is responding to the outside stimuli it experiences, whether you realize it or not. Stress, a not so healthy diet, pain (physical, mental, or emotional), disease, illness. All of these things stimulate the sympathetic nervous system, the “fight or flight” mode your body has to protect itself against all the bad things it encounters.</p><p>When one practices yoga, the parasympathetic nervous system (the “rest and digest” system) is activated, lowering blood pressure, releasing endorphins. Your blood vessels dilate, which means better circulation, more nutrients to your organs. </p><p>Here are some other benefits of a regular yoga practice:</p><ul><li><div>Increased release of hormones such as GABA, serotonin, and dopamine, all hormones that prevent and cure depression and anxiety.</div></li><li><div>Increased levels of melatonin, the naturally occurring chemical in your body that helps you sleep</div></li><li><div>Increased levels of oxytocin, the chemical in your body that helps you feel connected, feel seen and heard.</div></li><li><div>Increased levels of leptin and adiponectin, chemicals that work to alleviate inflammation in the body.</div></li></ul><p>Yoga means better health. Better immunity.</p><p>There are no bad side effects, like you may have with prescription or OTC medications.</p><p>The science is there. Yoga can actually save lives. </p><h2>Yoga and aging</h2><p>We thought this topic deserved a section all to itself. The science demonstrates that yoga increases your lifespan.</p><p>According to the National Institute of Health, studies show that regular yoga practice stabilizes, and even lengthens, telomeres. What are those?</p><p>We thought you’d never ask. Telomeres are small, repetitive chromosomal sequences found at the end of chromosomes that protect the chromosome from dying. They prevent cell death. The older we get, the shorter the telomeres get. The structural integrity of our chromosomes decreases.</p><p>This process is one of the causes of diseases such as Alzheimer’s, dementia, cancer, macular degeneration, cardiovascular disease, and stroke, amongst others.</p><p>Pretty impressive that yoga can play such a significant role in our wellbeing and longevity!</p><p>Here at myYogaTeacher, we are passionate about advocating for the betterment of people. We want to help you feel better, be healthier, and support you on your journey to harmony with your inner and outer world.</p><p>If you’re still on the fence about becoming a MYT member, we invite you to <a title=\"https://www.myyogateacher.com/dashboard\" href=\"https://www.myyogateacher.com/dashboard\"><u>grab your free 2-week trial here</u></a> and take advantage of the 35+ classes we offer with experienced, expert instructors you can trust. </p><p>We can’t wait to see you on the mat!</p>"},"category":["therapy","yoga"],"utmCampaign":null,"utmMedium":null,"utmContent":null,"utmSource":null,"utmTerm":null,"utmSearchString":null,"imageHyperlink":[]},"loading":false,"blog_content":[{"type":"HTML","value":"<p>Modern science is slowly, but surely embracing so many things from ancient Eastern culture. More and more therapists are using yoga as a tool for psychotherapy, a “prescription” for mental health problems.</p><p>But what about conventional medicine? </p><p>Can general practitioners use yoga as a prescription for some illnesses instead of leaning solely on medications?</p><p>The correct mix of modern technology and ancient medicine could be just what the conventional medicine world needs to be untouchable!</p><p>Turns out yoga has been proven to heal all kinds of ailments, which technically makes it an exercise, meditation, <em>and</em> a <a target='_blank' title=\"https://www.myyogateacher.com/articles/different-types-of-medicine\" href=\"https://www.myyogateacher.com/articles/different-types-of-medicine\">medicine</a>. Here at MyYogaTeacher, we think that’s pretty cool and wanted to explore how the modern medicine and yoga worlds are starting to collide.</p><p>One of the benefits of being a myYogaTeacher member is that you get to experience all kinds of yoga classes, even ones designed to help treat or prevent medical problems, taught by highly trained and experienced expert instructors. <a title=\"https://www.myyogateacher.com/dashboard\" href=\"https://www.myyogateacher.com/dashboard\"><u>If you haven’t checked it out yet, click here to enjoy your 2-week free trial!</u></a></p><h2>What is medical yoga therapy?</h2><p>According to the National Institute of Health, medical yoga is defined as “the use of yoga practices for the prevention and treatment of medical conditions.” </p><p>Yoga clearly has therapeutic benefits when it comes to helping people manage stress, anxiety, depression, and a whole host of other mental illnesses. In many cases, a regular yoga practice can end those debilitating issues completely.</p><p>The physical side effects of yoga are what truly makes this ancient practice a “modern miracle” for patients suffering from various medical conditions.</p><p>Studies show that medical yoga therapy improves (and helps control) glucose levels, musculoskeletal ailments, and helps keep the cardiovascular system in check.</p><p>Medical therapy yoga includes all the aspects of yoga that one may expect from any other yoga practice: asanas, breath work, meditation. But it is much more comprehensive than that.</p><h2>Yoga as a prescription</h2><p>Yoga doesn’t just treat and prevent illnesses like diabetes, high blood pressure, menstrual disorders, heart disease, and hormone imbalances. </p><p>It helps people create a state of well being, where they can understand the underlying cause of their conditions. When they can understand it themselves, they are more capable of being proactive in preventing the recurrence of their illness or the development of new ones.</p><p>This is huge in the world of modern medicine! </p><p>Medical yoga therapy is an individualized (and holistic) approach to medicine. This means it doesn’t just incorporate the actual practice of yoga, breathwork and meditation. It involves a patient’s family, work environment, support network, and culture in the treatment plan.</p><p>Yoga alone may not be the best prescription. It’s up to a person’s doctor to decide if other treatments are necessary in conjunction with medical yoga therapy. And we are in no way recommending you abandon your doctor’s treatment plan without speaking with them first. </p><p>However, it is not an unlikely scenario that patients who are at risk of developing certain medical conditions could be prescribed yoga to prevent said conditions from occurring! </p><p>This would help people avoid more intense (and costly) medical interventions!</p><p>While we are a long way from doctors prescribing yoga as a medicine over pills, there is room to believe that it’s a possibility in the future.</p><h2>How medical yoga therapy works</h2><p>The question many people ask about all of this is “how.”</p><p>How can something as simple as yoga actually cure and prevent physical medical problems?! </p><p>First, we’d like to give you a good idea of types of conditions yoga can help with:</p><ul><li><div>Diabetes - Yoga reduces fasting insulin levels, which normalizes the insulin-to-glucose ratio. It also increases circulation, which improves nerve damage caused by the disease.</div></li><li><div>Hypertension - The various breathing techniques practiced in yoga, along with meditation, alleviates stress, tension, and physical pain in various areas of the body, all of which can be a primary cause of high blood pressure.</div></li><li><div>Heart disease - Yoga is a useful lifestyle intervention for people who suffer from high cholesterol, atrial fibrillation, and helps decrease waist circumference. </div></li><li><div>Arthritis - The improved strength and flexibility that are associated with yoga also help relieve symptoms of arthritis and chronic back pain, knee pain, and neck pain.</div></li></ul><p>There are many medical conditions that are improved by a consistent yoga practice, but the above illnesses are especially receptive to medical yoga therapy.</p><p>On top of that, yoga is an exercise that literally <em>anyone</em> can do!</p><p>We know we’ve said it before, but we can’t iterate it enough. Yoga is good for everyone, whether you’re practicing for medical reasons or not. Any size, shape, or age. And it’s incredibly accessible.</p><p>Yoga balances the autonomic nervous system by stimulating the parasympathetic nervous system. </p><p>Throughout your day, your body is responding to the outside stimuli it experiences, whether you realize it or not. Stress, a not so healthy diet, pain (physical, mental, or emotional), disease, illness. All of these things stimulate the sympathetic nervous system, the “fight or flight” mode your body has to protect itself against all the bad things it encounters.</p><p>When one practices yoga, the parasympathetic nervous system (the “rest and digest” system) is activated, lowering blood pressure, releasing endorphins. Your blood vessels dilate, which means better circulation, more nutrients to your organs. </p><p>Here are some other benefits of a regular yoga practice:</p><ul><li><div>Increased release of hormones such as GABA, serotonin, and dopamine, all hormones that prevent and cure depression and anxiety.</div></li><li><div>Increased levels of melatonin, the naturally occurring chemical in your body that helps you sleep</div></li><li><div>Increased levels of oxytocin, the chemical in your body that helps you feel connected, feel seen and heard.</div></li><li><div>Increased levels of leptin and adiponectin, chemicals that work to alleviate inflammation in the body.</div></li></ul><p>Yoga means better health. Better immunity.</p><p>There are no bad side effects, like you may have with prescription or OTC medications.</p><p>The science is there. Yoga can actually save lives. </p><h2>Yoga and aging</h2><p>We thought this topic deserved a section all to itself. The science demonstrates that yoga increases your lifespan.</p><p>According to the National Institute of Health, studies show that regular yoga practice stabilizes, and even lengthens, telomeres. What are those?</p><p>We thought you’d never ask. Telomeres are small, repetitive chromosomal sequences found at the end of chromosomes that protect the chromosome from dying. They prevent cell death. The older we get, the shorter the telomeres get. The structural integrity of our chromosomes decreases.</p><p>This process is one of the causes of diseases such as Alzheimer’s, dementia, cancer, macular degeneration, cardiovascular disease, and stroke, amongst others.</p><p>Pretty impressive that yoga can play such a significant role in our wellbeing and longevity!</p><p>Here at myYogaTeacher, we are passionate about advocating for the betterment of people. We want to help you feel better, be healthier, and support you on your journey to harmony with your inner and outer world.</p><p>If you’re still on the fence about becoming a MYT member, we invite you to <a title=\"https://www.myyogateacher.com/dashboard\" href=\"https://www.myyogateacher.com/dashboard\"><u>grab your free 2-week trial here</u></a> and take advantage of the 35+ classes we offer with experienced, expert instructors you can trust. </p><p>We can’t wait to see you on the mat!</p>"},{"type":"CTA","value":"[CTA-DEFAULT]"}],"isSlugACategory":false,"searchCategory":"yoga-as-medicine","showPopUp":false,"popUpType":null,"showedPopup":false,"windowWidth":null,"ctaPath":"free-trial-o","redirectURL":"#","current_url":"https://www.myyogateacher.com/articles/yoga-as-medicine","student_details":"","facebookUrl":"https://www.myyogateacher.com/r/yoga-as-medicine-OYRiwO","twitterUrl":"https://www.myyogateacher.com/r/yoga-as-medicine-fZjHxt","copyUrl":"https://www.myyogateacher.com/r/yoga-as-medicine-MbmFMf","emailUrl":"https://www.myyogateacher.com/r/yoga-as-medicine-qMnndq","ctaContent":[{"id":"ckxrz2i14tov40c25g1dpicsg","name":"[CTA-DEFAULT]","description":{"html":"<p><strong>Get 2 free private yoga sessions and 2 weeks of unlimited group classes</strong> with authentic yoga teachers. No credit card required when you sign up today!</p>"},"title":{"html":"<p><strong>Online Yoga Classes – </strong><u><strong>Live & Interactive</strong></u></p>"},"linkText":"Start Free Trial","linkUrl":"https://www.myyogateacher.com/signup"},{"id":"ckxrz37hsu0cj0a76mgb4594m","name":"[CTA-FREECLASS]","description":{"html":"<p><strong>Get 2 free private yoga sessions and 2 weeks of unlimited group classes</strong> with authentic yoga teachers. No credit card required when you sign up today!</p>"},"title":{"html":"<p><strong>Online Yoga Classes – </strong><u><strong>Live & Interactive</strong></u></p>"},"linkText":"Start Free Trial","linkUrl":"https://www.myyogateacher.com/signup"},{"id":"ckxrz4d5stsye0b75dtlx1w0n","name":"[CTA-TRENDS]","description":{"html":"<p>Get ahead of the next trend and practice with authentic Indian yoga teachers! Sign up today and <strong>get 2 free private yoga sessions PLUS 2 weeks of unlimited group classes</strong>. No credit card required when you sign up today!</p>"},"title":{"html":"<p><strong>Online Yoga Sessions – </strong><u><strong>Live & Interactive</strong></u></p><p><strong>Practice with Authentic Indian Yoga Teachers</strong></p><p></p>"},"linkText":"Start Free Trial","linkUrl":"https://www.myyogateacher.com/signup"},{"id":"ckxrz6nq0tqdr0c258titvagg","name":"[CTA-REVIEWS]","description":{"html":"<p>Find out what all the hype is about! <strong>Get 2 free private yoga sessions and 2 weeks of unlimited group classes</strong> with authentic yoga teachers. No credit card required when you sign up today!</p>"},"title":{"html":"<p><strong>Online Yoga Sessions – </strong><u><strong>Live & Interactive</strong></u></p><p><strong>103,478 Happy Students & 12,086 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Reviews</strong></p><p></p>"},"linkText":"Start Free Trial","linkUrl":"https://www.myyogateacher.com/signup"},{"id":"ckxrz7nzktu400b752fym6wpw","name":"[CTA-HATHA]","description":{"html":"<p><strong>Get 2 free private hatha yoga sessions and 2 weeks of unlimited group classes </strong>(including tons of daily Hatha yoga classes). No credit card required when you sign up today!</p>"},"title":{"html":"<p><strong>Online Hatha Yoga Sessions – </strong><u><strong>Live & Interactive</strong></u></p><p><strong>with Authentic Indian Teachers</strong></p><p></p>"},"linkText":"Start Free Trial","linkUrl":"https://www.myyogateacher.com/signup"},{"id":"cky90p88g3zgc0d23yz6taont","name":"[CTA-NASAL]","description":{"html":"<p><strong>Get 2 free private sessions </strong>to relieve post nasal drip and clear out your sinus. </p><p><strong>PLUS, 2 weeks of unlimited group classes </strong>with authentic Indian yoga teachers. No credit card required when you sign up today!</p>"},"title":{"html":"<p><strong>Online Yoga Sessions – </strong><u><strong>Live & Interactive</strong></u></p><p><strong>Relieve Post Nasal Drip & Clear Your Sinus Today!</strong></p><p></p>"},"linkText":"Start Free Trial","linkUrl":"https://www.myyogateacher.com/signup"},{"id":"ckyirvl8g25ce0c70cldmca2g","name":"[CTA-TRATAKA]","description":{"html":"<p><strong>Get 2 free private sessions </strong>with experienced Trataka teachers. </p><p><strong>PLUS, 2 weeks of unlimited group classes </strong>(like ‘Candle Gazing Meditation) with authentic yoga teachers. No credit card required when you sign up today!</p>"},"title":{"html":"<p><strong>Online Yoga Sessions – </strong><u><strong>Live & Interactive</strong></u></p><p><strong>Learn Trataka (Candle Gazing) Meditation Today!</strong></p><p></p>"},"linkText":"Start Free Trial","linkUrl":"https://www.myyogateacher.com/signup"},{"id":"ckyisqh482ck60b79rp1r1jcg","name":"[CTA-YIN]","description":{"html":"<p><strong>Get 2 free private yoga sessions</strong>, work with an experienced yoga therapist to reduce (and even eliminate) your back pain. <strong>PLUS 2 weeks of unlimited group classes </strong>(like ‘Yoga for Back Pain’) with authentic yoga teachers. No credit card required when you sign up today!</p>"},"title":{"html":"<p><strong>Online Yoga Therapy – </strong><u><strong>Live & Interactive</strong></u></p><p><strong>Relieve Back Pain Safely & Effectively Today!</strong></p><p></p>"},"linkText":"Start Free Trial","linkUrl":"https://www.myyogateacher.com/signup"},{"id":"ckyitki4w2liz0b30tqpzhy4i","name":"[CTA-KRIYA]","description":{"html":"<p><strong>Get 2 free private yoga sessions </strong>for Kriya Yoga, Pranayama, and Meditation <strong>and 2 weeks of unlimited group classes </strong>with authentic yoga teachers. No credit card required when you sign up today!</p>"},"title":{"html":"<p><strong>Online Yoga Classes – </strong><u><strong>Live & Interactive</strong></u></p><p><strong>Practice Kriya, Pranayama, and Meditation Today!</strong></p>"},"linkText":"Start Free Trial","linkUrl":"https://www.myyogateacher.com/signup"},{"id":"ckyitxgyg2pot0b79lu1fcpp1","name":"[CTA-BREATH]","description":{"html":"<p><strong>Get 2 free private yoga sessions </strong>for yogic breathing techniques (pranayama) and <strong>2 weeks of unlimited group classes</strong>, like ‘Stretch and Breathe’, ‘Kriya, Pranayama, and Meditation’, and many others. No credit card required when you sign up today!</p>"},"title":{"html":"<p><strong>Online Yoga Sessions – </strong><u><strong>Live & Interactive</strong></u></p><p><strong> Learn Beginner, Intermediate, and Advanced Pranayama!</strong></p>"},"linkText":"Start Free Trial","linkUrl":"https://www.myyogateacher.com/signup"},{"id":"ckykb6i2o1o7f0b368s1m7qow","name":"[CTA-LYMPHATIC]","description":{"html":"<p><strong>Get 2 free private yoga sessions</strong> for lymphatic drainage & immunity enhancement. <strong>PLUS 2 weeks of unlimited group yoga classes</strong> (including daily yin-yoga) when you sign up today! No credit card required to sign up.</p><p></p>"},"title":{"html":"<p><strong>Online Yoga Sessions – </strong><u><strong>Live & Interactive</strong></u></p><p><strong>for Lymphatic Drainage & Boosting Your Immune System!</strong></p>"},"linkText":"Start Free Trial","linkUrl":"https://www.myyogateacher.com/signup"},{"id":"cl2vqlpyfe3yh0biohgxyx2hg","name":"[CTA-LEAD]","description":{"html":"<p>Lead Form</p>"},"title":{"html":"<p>Lead Form</p>"},"linkText":"Start Free Trial","linkUrl":"https://www.myyogateacher.com/signup"},{"id":"cl4gnwnrlga640ck37gutx7sn","name":"[CTA-GC]","description":{"html":"<p>CTA-GC</p>"},"title":{"html":"<p>CTA-GC</p>"},"linkText":"Start Free Trial","linkUrl":"https://www.myyogateacher.com/signup"}],"post":{"id":"cks0vdmewusrb0b32oi65ka9z","slug":"yoga-as-medicine","author":{"name":"Will","teacherMytSlug":null,"pictureUrl":null},"title":"How Yoga Works With Modern Medicine: Medical Yoga Therapy","createdAt":"2021-08-06T21:38:11.077476+00:00","updatedAt":"2022-07-01T08:51:34.951998+00:00","coverUrl":"jtsbxwjcix1u5emuxe0l.jpg","seoDescription":"Medical yoga therapy works with modern medicine to benefit people just like you. Explore how yoga and medicine work together!","content":{"text":"Modern science is slowly, but surely embracing so many things from ancient Eastern culture. More and more therapists are using yoga as a tool for psychotherapy, a “prescription” for mental health problems.\\nBut what about conventional medicine? \\nCan general practitioners use yoga as a prescription for some illnesses instead of leaning solely on medications?\\nThe correct mix of modern technology and ancient medicine could be just what the conventional medicine world needs to be untouchable!\\nTurns out yoga has been proven to heal all kinds of ailments, which technically makes it an exercise, meditation, \\nand\\n a \\nmedicine\\n. Here at MyYogaTeacher, we think that’s pretty cool and wanted to explore how the modern medicine and yoga worlds are starting to collide.\\nOne of the benefits of being a myYogaTeacher member is that you get to experience all kinds of yoga classes, even ones designed to help treat or prevent medical problems, taught by highly trained and experienced expert instructors. \\nIf you haven’t checked it out yet, click here to enjoy your 2-week free trial!\\n\\nWhat is medical yoga therapy?\\nAccording to the National Institute of Health, medical yoga is defined as “the use of yoga practices for the prevention and treatment of medical conditions.” \\nYoga clearly has therapeutic benefits when it comes to helping people manage stress, anxiety, depression, and a whole host of other mental illnesses. In many cases, a regular yoga practice can end those debilitating issues completely.\\nThe physical side effects of yoga are what truly makes this ancient practice a “modern miracle” for patients suffering from various medical conditions.\\nStudies show that medical yoga therapy improves (and helps control) glucose levels, musculoskeletal ailments, and helps keep the cardiovascular system in check.\\nMedical therapy yoga includes all the aspects of yoga that one may expect from any other yoga practice: asanas, breath work, meditation. But it is much more comprehensive than that.\\nYoga as a prescription\\nYoga doesn’t just treat and prevent illnesses like diabetes, high blood pressure, menstrual disorders, heart disease, and hormone imbalances. \\nIt helps people create a state of well being, where they can understand the underlying cause of their conditions. When they can understand it themselves, they are more capable of being proactive in preventing the recurrence of their illness or the development of new ones.\\nThis is huge in the world of modern medicine! \\nMedical yoga therapy is an individualized (and holistic) approach to medicine. This means it doesn’t just incorporate the actual practice of yoga, breathwork and meditation. It involves a patient’s family, work environment, support network, and culture in the treatment plan.\\nYoga alone may not be the best prescription. It’s up to a person’s doctor to decide if other treatments are necessary in conjunction with medical yoga therapy. And we are in no way recommending you abandon your doctor’s treatment plan without speaking with them first. \\nHowever, it is not an unlikely scenario that patients who are at risk of developing certain medical conditions could be prescribed yoga to prevent said conditions from occurring! \\nThis would help people avoid more intense (and costly) medical interventions!\\nWhile we are a long way from doctors prescribing yoga as a medicine over pills, there is room to believe that it’s a possibility in the future.\\nHow medical yoga therapy works\\nThe question many people ask about all of this is “how.”\\nHow can something as simple as yoga actually cure and prevent physical medical problems?! \\nFirst, we’d like to give you a good idea of types of conditions yoga can help with:\\nDiabetes - Yoga reduces fasting insulin levels, which normalizes the insulin-to-glucose ratio. It also increases circulation, which improves nerve damage caused by the disease.\\nHypertension - The various breathing techniques practiced in yoga, along with meditation, alleviates stress, tension, and physical pain in various areas of the body, all of which can be a primary cause of high blood pressure.\\nHeart disease - Yoga is a useful lifestyle intervention for people who suffer from high cholesterol, atrial fibrillation, and helps decrease waist circumference. \\nArthritis - The improved strength and flexibility that are associated with yoga also help relieve symptoms of arthritis and chronic back pain, knee pain, and neck pain.\\nThere are many medical conditions that are improved by a consistent yoga practice, but the above illnesses are especially receptive to medical yoga therapy.\\nOn top of that, yoga is an exercise that literally \\nanyone\\n can do!\\nWe know we’ve said it before, but we can’t iterate it enough. Yoga is good for everyone, whether you’re practicing for medical reasons or not. Any size, shape, or age. And it’s incredibly accessible.\\nYoga balances the autonomic nervous system by stimulating the parasympathetic nervous system. \\nThroughout your day, your body is responding to the outside stimuli it experiences, whether you realize it or not. Stress, a not so healthy diet, pain (physical, mental, or emotional), disease, illness. All of these things stimulate the sympathetic nervous system, the “fight or flight” mode your body has to protect itself against all the bad things it encounters.\\nWhen one practices yoga, the parasympathetic nervous system (the “rest and digest” system) is activated, lowering blood pressure, releasing endorphins. Your blood vessels dilate, which means better circulation, more nutrients to your organs. \\nHere are some other benefits of a regular yoga practice:\\nIncreased release of hormones such as GABA, serotonin, and dopamine, all hormones that prevent and cure depression and anxiety.\\nIncreased levels of melatonin, the naturally occurring chemical in your body that helps you sleep\\nIncreased levels of oxytocin, the chemical in your body that helps you feel connected, feel seen and heard.\\nIncreased levels of leptin and adiponectin, chemicals that work to alleviate inflammation in the body.\\nYoga means better health. Better immunity.\\nThere are no bad side effects, like you may have with prescription or OTC medications.\\nThe science is there. Yoga can actually save lives. \\nYoga and aging\\nWe thought this topic deserved a section all to itself. The science demonstrates that yoga increases your lifespan.\\nAccording to the National Institute of Health, studies show that regular yoga practice stabilizes, and even lengthens, telomeres. What are those?\\nWe thought you’d never ask. Telomeres are small, repetitive chromosomal sequences found at the end of chromosomes that protect the chromosome from dying. They prevent cell death. The older we get, the shorter the telomeres get. The structural integrity of our chromosomes decreases.\\nThis process is one of the causes of diseases such as Alzheimer’s, dementia, cancer, macular degeneration, cardiovascular disease, and stroke, amongst others.\\nPretty impressive that yoga can play such a significant role in our wellbeing and longevity!\\nHere at myYogaTeacher, we are passionate about advocating for the betterment of people. We want to help you feel better, be healthier, and support you on your journey to harmony with your inner and outer world.\\nIf you’re still on the fence about becoming a MYT member, we invite you to \\ngrab your free 2-week trial here\\n and take advantage of the 35+ classes we offer with experienced, expert instructors you can trust. \\nWe can’t wait to see you on the mat!","html":"<p>Modern science is slowly, but surely embracing so many things from ancient Eastern culture. More and more therapists are using yoga as a tool for psychotherapy, a “prescription” for mental health problems.</p><p>But what about conventional medicine? </p><p>Can general practitioners use yoga as a prescription for some illnesses instead of leaning solely on medications?</p><p>The correct mix of modern technology and ancient medicine could be just what the conventional medicine world needs to be untouchable!</p><p>Turns out yoga has been proven to heal all kinds of ailments, which technically makes it an exercise, meditation, <em>and</em> a <a target='_blank' title=\"https://www.myyogateacher.com/articles/different-types-of-medicine\" href=\"https://www.myyogateacher.com/articles/different-types-of-medicine\">medicine</a>. Here at MyYogaTeacher, we think that’s pretty cool and wanted to explore how the modern medicine and yoga worlds are starting to collide.</p><p>One of the benefits of being a myYogaTeacher member is that you get to experience all kinds of yoga classes, even ones designed to help treat or prevent medical problems, taught by highly trained and experienced expert instructors. <a title=\"https://www.myyogateacher.com/dashboard\" href=\"https://www.myyogateacher.com/dashboard\"><u>If you haven’t checked it out yet, click here to enjoy your 2-week free trial!</u></a></p><h2>What is medical yoga therapy?</h2><p>According to the National Institute of Health, medical yoga is defined as “the use of yoga practices for the prevention and treatment of medical conditions.” </p><p>Yoga clearly has therapeutic benefits when it comes to helping people manage stress, anxiety, depression, and a whole host of other mental illnesses. In many cases, a regular yoga practice can end those debilitating issues completely.</p><p>The physical side effects of yoga are what truly makes this ancient practice a “modern miracle” for patients suffering from various medical conditions.</p><p>Studies show that medical yoga therapy improves (and helps control) glucose levels, musculoskeletal ailments, and helps keep the cardiovascular system in check.</p><p>Medical therapy yoga includes all the aspects of yoga that one may expect from any other yoga practice: asanas, breath work, meditation. But it is much more comprehensive than that.</p><h2>Yoga as a prescription</h2><p>Yoga doesn’t just treat and prevent illnesses like diabetes, high blood pressure, menstrual disorders, heart disease, and hormone imbalances. </p><p>It helps people create a state of well being, where they can understand the underlying cause of their conditions. When they can understand it themselves, they are more capable of being proactive in preventing the recurrence of their illness or the development of new ones.</p><p>This is huge in the world of modern medicine! </p><p>Medical yoga therapy is an individualized (and holistic) approach to medicine. This means it doesn’t just incorporate the actual practice of yoga, breathwork and meditation. It involves a patient’s family, work environment, support network, and culture in the treatment plan.</p><p>Yoga alone may not be the best prescription. It’s up to a person’s doctor to decide if other treatments are necessary in conjunction with medical yoga therapy. And we are in no way recommending you abandon your doctor’s treatment plan without speaking with them first. </p><p>However, it is not an unlikely scenario that patients who are at risk of developing certain medical conditions could be prescribed yoga to prevent said conditions from occurring! </p><p>This would help people avoid more intense (and costly) medical interventions!</p><p>While we are a long way from doctors prescribing yoga as a medicine over pills, there is room to believe that it’s a possibility in the future.</p><h2>How medical yoga therapy works</h2><p>The question many people ask about all of this is “how.”</p><p>How can something as simple as yoga actually cure and prevent physical medical problems?! </p><p>First, we’d like to give you a good idea of types of conditions yoga can help with:</p><ul><li><div>Diabetes - Yoga reduces fasting insulin levels, which normalizes the insulin-to-glucose ratio. It also increases circulation, which improves nerve damage caused by the disease.</div></li><li><div>Hypertension - The various breathing techniques practiced in yoga, along with meditation, alleviates stress, tension, and physical pain in various areas of the body, all of which can be a primary cause of high blood pressure.</div></li><li><div>Heart disease - Yoga is a useful lifestyle intervention for people who suffer from high cholesterol, atrial fibrillation, and helps decrease waist circumference. </div></li><li><div>Arthritis - The improved strength and flexibility that are associated with yoga also help relieve symptoms of arthritis and chronic back pain, knee pain, and neck pain.</div></li></ul><p>There are many medical conditions that are improved by a consistent yoga practice, but the above illnesses are especially receptive to medical yoga therapy.</p><p>On top of that, yoga is an exercise that literally <em>anyone</em> can do!</p><p>We know we’ve said it before, but we can’t iterate it enough. Yoga is good for everyone, whether you’re practicing for medical reasons or not. Any size, shape, or age. And it’s incredibly accessible.</p><p>Yoga balances the autonomic nervous system by stimulating the parasympathetic nervous system. </p><p>Throughout your day, your body is responding to the outside stimuli it experiences, whether you realize it or not. Stress, a not so healthy diet, pain (physical, mental, or emotional), disease, illness. All of these things stimulate the sympathetic nervous system, the “fight or flight” mode your body has to protect itself against all the bad things it encounters.</p><p>When one practices yoga, the parasympathetic nervous system (the “rest and digest” system) is activated, lowering blood pressure, releasing endorphins. Your blood vessels dilate, which means better circulation, more nutrients to your organs. </p><p>Here are some other benefits of a regular yoga practice:</p><ul><li><div>Increased release of hormones such as GABA, serotonin, and dopamine, all hormones that prevent and cure depression and anxiety.</div></li><li><div>Increased levels of melatonin, the naturally occurring chemical in your body that helps you sleep</div></li><li><div>Increased levels of oxytocin, the chemical in your body that helps you feel connected, feel seen and heard.</div></li><li><div>Increased levels of leptin and adiponectin, chemicals that work to alleviate inflammation in the body.</div></li></ul><p>Yoga means better health. Better immunity.</p><p>There are no bad side effects, like you may have with prescription or OTC medications.</p><p>The science is there. Yoga can actually save lives. </p><h2>Yoga and aging</h2><p>We thought this topic deserved a section all to itself. The science demonstrates that yoga increases your lifespan.</p><p>According to the National Institute of Health, studies show that regular yoga practice stabilizes, and even lengthens, telomeres. What are those?</p><p>We thought you’d never ask. Telomeres are small, repetitive chromosomal sequences found at the end of chromosomes that protect the chromosome from dying. They prevent cell death. The older we get, the shorter the telomeres get. The structural integrity of our chromosomes decreases.</p><p>This process is one of the causes of diseases such as Alzheimer’s, dementia, cancer, macular degeneration, cardiovascular disease, and stroke, amongst others.</p><p>Pretty impressive that yoga can play such a significant role in our wellbeing and longevity!</p><p>Here at myYogaTeacher, we are passionate about advocating for the betterment of people. We want to help you feel better, be healthier, and support you on your journey to harmony with your inner and outer world.</p><p>If you’re still on the fence about becoming a MYT member, we invite you to <a title=\"https://www.myyogateacher.com/dashboard\" href=\"https://www.myyogateacher.com/dashboard\"><u>grab your free 2-week trial here</u></a> and take advantage of the 35+ classes we offer with experienced, expert instructors you can trust. </p><p>We can’t wait to see you on the mat!</p>"},"category":["therapy","yoga"],"utmCampaign":null,"utmMedium":null,"utmContent":null,"utmSource":null,"utmTerm":null,"utmSearchString":null,"imageHyperlink":[]},"recommendations_group_class":[{"session_uuid":"05f232d0-c70a-4e23-825a-924cad8630de","student_uuid":"4e8712eb-ddec-4b05-986d-0e070b6a9865","teacher_uuid":"ffd65b13-5f83-4297-b38a-b0fa6190256a","teacher_name":"Gourangi Melana","teacher_first_name":"Gourangi ","teacher_slug":"gourangi-1","teacher_photo":"https://res.cloudinary.com/dgerdfai4/image/upload/v1668002350/teacher/photos/uzthvsu3tlr1qeymaw2j.png","group_session_name":"Chair Yoga","group_session_description":"Sometimes life calls for a gentler practice or you are at a desk and need some healthy movement! If you are experiencing limited mobility, chair yoga is slow practice using a chair to lengthen and move the spine. Other poses use the chair for added stability and support.","duration":60,"epoch_time":1670686200000,"local_session_time":"Sat, Dec 10th, 7:30 AM PST","no_of_participants":6,"group_session_limit":200,"time":"7:30 AM","target_audience":"Beginner","student_created_date":"","student_created_day":"","last_attended_time":"","start_date_std":"2022-12-10","class_page_uuid":"a6a58d64-72d7-457e-beba-c14e0d7d9e4e","class_type_uuid":"147fc1ea-6a32-4574-80b6-e1ed795684ac","allow_booking_by_everyone":0,"featured_in_recommended":0,"teacher_recommendation_score":0,"reco_key":"","reco_val":"","self_booked":0,"group_session_student_uuid":"","banner":"https://res.cloudinary.com/dgerdfai4/image/upload/f_auto,q_70,w_792,h_420,g_auto,c_fill/v1655997905/group-classes/ceu2nodbtfrnt5mz29hy.png","bootcamp_workshop_uuid":"","bootcamp_workshop_slug":"","goals":["Heal from a medical condition like pain or injury","Sleep better","Increase strength and flexibility"],"health_keywords":["arthritis"],"show_book_button":1,"non_member_participants":1,"max_non_member_participants":75,"is_premium_group_session":0,"session_type":"GROUP_SESSION","class_page_slug":"chair-yoga-for-beginner-level-by-anuj-and-gourangi","class_page_name":"Chair Yoga - for Beginner level - by Anuj and Gourangi","hide_from_newbie_trial":0,"hide_from_beginner_trial":0,"recommended_for":"","available_slots":{"day_full":"Saturday, Sunday & Monday","day":"Sat, Sun & Mon","days":["Sat","Sun","Mon"],"days_full":["Saturday","Sunday","Monday"],"slots":[{"uuid":"05f232d0-c70a-4e23-825a-924cad8630de","duration":60,"epoch_time":1670686200000,"epoch_end_time":1670689800000,"title":"Sat, 10th Dec, 7:30 - 8:30 AM","self_booked":0},{"uuid":"427ae2d1-4875-4f2c-a7de-2bd4ae350a7c","duration":60,"epoch_time":1670772600000,"epoch_end_time":1670776200000,"title":"Sun, 11th Dec, 7:30 - 8:30 AM","self_booked":0},{"uuid":"5c4141af-d2e4-4130-9d53-39b0395513ee","duration":60,"epoch_time":1670859000000,"epoch_end_time":1670862600000,"title":"Mon, 12th Dec, 7:30 - 8:30 AM","self_booked":0}],"session_time":"7:30 - 8:30 AM"},"in_pref_time":0},{"session_uuid":"12aea449-82a6-4a72-a7a0-d890f3017b27","student_uuid":"e327c088-feba-44f5-97f0-1a7db39ebc4f","teacher_uuid":"0d0b3d46-7aa0-4107-8918-e54117004996","teacher_name":"Neha Govindan","teacher_first_name":"Neha","teacher_slug":"neha-2","teacher_photo":"https://res.cloudinary.com/dgerdfai4/image/upload/v1645607859/teacher/photos/rnt2dnit2f7jyswssovy.jpg","group_session_name":"Yoga for Back Health","group_session_description":"Back pain can be caused by many things, but doctors agree that yoga is a great way to help it. Our instructors will guide you through strengthening and lengthening poses to give you the relief you deserve. The mind-body connection of yoga will help you loosen and find relief from the stress of experiencing chronic pain.\n\nProps we use in this class is a firm cushion to sit on, a belt /tie/ Dupatta.","duration":60,"epoch_time":1670770800000,"local_session_time":"Sun, Dec 11th, 7:00 AM PST","no_of_participants":12,"group_session_limit":200,"time":"7:00 AM","target_audience":"All Levels","student_created_date":"","student_created_day":"","last_attended_time":"","start_date_std":"2022-12-11","class_page_uuid":"66db70e3-2710-43c2-9c04-b79ff2163969","class_type_uuid":"fcb1d6e9-f2f2-4c25-94b9-39a00dc1fc66","allow_booking_by_everyone":0,"featured_in_recommended":0,"teacher_recommendation_score":0,"reco_key":"","reco_val":"","self_booked":0,"group_session_student_uuid":"","banner":"http://images.myyogateacher.com/class_pages/yoga_for_back_pain.png","bootcamp_workshop_uuid":"","bootcamp_workshop_slug":"","goals":["Heal from a medical condition like pain or injury","Increase strength and flexibility"],"health_keywords":["back pain","sciatica pain"],"show_book_button":1,"non_member_participants":3,"max_non_member_participants":75,"is_premium_group_session":0,"session_type":"GROUP_SESSION","class_page_slug":"yoga-for-back-health-by-neha-and-priyanka","class_page_name":"Yoga for back health- By Neha and Priyanka","hide_from_newbie_trial":0,"hide_from_beginner_trial":0,"recommended_for":"","available_slots":{"day_full":"Sunday, Tuesday & Thursday","day":"Sun, Tue & Thu","days":["Sun","Tue","Thu"],"days_full":["Sunday","Tuesday","Thursday"],"slots":[{"uuid":"12aea449-82a6-4a72-a7a0-d890f3017b27","duration":60,"epoch_time":1670770800000,"epoch_end_time":1670774400000,"title":"Sun, 11th Dec, 7:00 - 8:00 AM","self_booked":0},{"uuid":"4158b0b4-d290-494e-af04-d9b85936e20b","duration":60,"epoch_time":1670943600000,"epoch_end_time":1670947200000,"title":"Tue, 13th Dec, 7:00 - 8:00 AM","self_booked":0},{"uuid":"1da6647a-c7ed-4337-a697-90eb3638b57d","duration":60,"epoch_time":1671116400000,"epoch_end_time":1671120000000,"title":"Thu, 15th Dec, 7:00 - 8:00 AM","self_booked":0}],"session_time":"7:00 - 8:00 AM"},"in_pref_time":0},{"session_uuid":"5c6b7141-0e9e-4a57-b07d-bd18692f8883","student_uuid":"330eb0b4-c31c-42df-9224-61ffe7d84185","teacher_uuid":"1ce0e0c3-33bc-485f-a494-06bfff3b7dda","teacher_name":"Bodhi Abhishek Singh","teacher_first_name":"Bodhi ","teacher_slug":"abhishek-2","teacher_photo":"https://res.cloudinary.com/dgerdfai4/image/upload/v1667926825/teacher/photos/tgz4jsp0x5pa29vvh1sf.png","group_session_name":"Breathing and Meditation","group_session_description":"Meditation stills and calms the mind. Your teacher will guide you to focus on your own breath and then clear your mind from excessive thoughts and distractions. Meditation is a great way to restore energy to a tired mind and help you gain mental focus and clarity.","duration":60,"epoch_time":1670799600000,"local_session_time":"Sun, Dec 11th, 3:00 PM PST","no_of_participants":3,"group_session_limit":200,"time":"3:00 PM","target_audience":"All Levels","student_created_date":"","student_created_day":"","last_attended_time":"","start_date_std":"2022-12-11","class_page_uuid":"77321ce2-ade7-46e6-a1c5-14e3637c67f5","class_type_uuid":"12ab3253-f4d6-4f58-be9c-003ee5e8fb0d","allow_booking_by_everyone":0,"featured_in_recommended":0,"teacher_recommendation_score":0,"reco_key":"","reco_val":"","self_booked":0,"group_session_student_uuid":"","banner":"https://res.cloudinary.com/dgerdfai4/image/upload/f_auto,q_70,w_792,h_420,g_auto,c_fill/v1656080243/group-classes/cd3ztv6giorinpupk6y1.png","bootcamp_workshop_uuid":"","bootcamp_workshop_slug":"","goals":["Ease stress and boost mental health"],"health_keywords":["blood pressure","asthma","thyroid","anxiety","stress","depression","migraine"],"show_book_button":1,"non_member_participants":2,"max_non_member_participants":75,"is_premium_group_session":0,"session_type":"GROUP_SESSION","class_page_slug":"breathing-and-meditation-by-trupti","class_page_name":"Breathing and Meditation","hide_from_newbie_trial":0,"hide_from_beginner_trial":0,"recommended_for":"","available_slots":{"day_full":"Sunday, Tuesday & Thursday","day":"Sun, Tue & Thu","days":["Sun","Tue","Thu"],"days_full":["Sunday","Tuesday","Thursday"],"slots":[{"uuid":"5c6b7141-0e9e-4a57-b07d-bd18692f8883","duration":60,"epoch_time":1670799600000,"epoch_end_time":1670803200000,"title":"Sun, 11th Dec, 3:00 - 4:00 PM","self_booked":0},{"uuid":"c91e8451-1cd2-4c0c-ab32-cc8a976002bf","duration":60,"epoch_time":1670972400000,"epoch_end_time":1670976000000,"title":"Tue, 13th Dec, 3:00 - 4:00 PM","self_booked":0},{"uuid":"ad2f2335-a810-4d3d-bd10-3c822cbc805f","duration":60,"epoch_time":1671145200000,"epoch_end_time":1671148800000,"title":"Thu, 15th Dec, 3:00 - 4:00 PM","self_booked":0}],"session_time":"3:00 - 4:00 PM"},"in_pref_time":0}]}© Copyright 2020 MyYogaTeacher Inc