Sep
26
Instead of Fosomax, Study Uses Yoga to Reverse Osteoporosis
September 26, 2009 | Leave a Comment
Posted by: Kathleen Daniel
If you want to keep your bones strong, instead of resorting to Fosomax or other dangerous osteoporosis drugs, participate in this Columbia University study that uses yoga to prevent and reverse osteoporosis. Having studied the medical uses of yoga for many years, the study seeks to confirm that the decreased inflammation and improved circulation of joint fluids from the unusual tugs on tendons and ligaments of yoga poses not only stops, but also reverses osteoporosis and arthritis. Dr. Loren Fishman, M.D., an internationally recognized expert on sciatica and low back pain, and author of numerous books, including Cure Back Pain with Yoga, and Yoga for Arthritis, leads the team of physicians and physical therapists with a long history of studying unconventional physiotherapies for a wide range of bone and pain conditions. Here are the twelve poses being studied, from easiest to intermediate to challenging – for people with osteoporosis, with osteopenia and for those focussed on prevention. Participants receive a DVD of the poses that take about 12 minutes to follow with the video.
Also on the site is an interesting study of yoga injuries. Though people usually learn the hard way not to set unrealistic expectations, and to respect the importance of warming up and proper sequencing, the College of Physicians and Surgeons agrees that the rewards of yoga outweigh the potential risks if you listen to your body and exercise according to your abilities.
Given the obvious benefits and popularity of yoga, I suspect we’ll be hearing more news of its integration into medicine, as well as an upgrading of teaching standards and certifications. This warms my heart as Yoga was my initiation over 30 years ago into understanding how nature designed our bodies with the intrinsic means to stay healthy, and I keep up with it and haven’t looked back since. And considering the drug-laced alternatives, this is very good news indeed! With this gentle exercise and a balanced diet you can put fears of the inevitability of osteoporosis to rest.
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