By Faye Martins
Osteoporosis is a serious condition that threatens millions of men and women around the world. Characterized by bones that thin with age to the point of becoming brittle, it can lead to fractures, debilitating pain, and lack of mobility. Yoga therapy for osteoporosis has been found to be an effective form of treatment for the condition. When used as part of the daily regimen, yoga could actually slow the progress of osteoporosis in the body. In some cases, it has even been found to reverse the damage that has already occurred. Researchers believe that yoga can actually prevent osteoporosis from setting in. When individuals are committed to this low impact form of exercise from an early point in their lives, it can benefit them for years to come. Studies have actually demonstrated bone growth for people who included a yoga workout in their lives over the course of two years. Those participants in the study who did not do yoga experienced bone loss.
Dealing with Bone Loss: Heading it Off at the Pass with Yoga
The secret of yoga appears to rest in the fact that it revolves around exercises that rely on the body's weight. Other forms of exercise that are beneficial include walking, dancing, hiking, and golf. Adding additional stress to the body's framework of muscles and bone encourages bone growth and improves bone density. With strength comes more flexibility and mobility as well. It's all about continuing to make the body work, but in a low impact form of exercise that will not put too much stress on the bones. This is especially important for those who are already dealing with osteoporosis, whether the condition is in its initial stages or has advanced. High impact forms of exercise are likely to lead to fractures. However, the gentle movements that are a part of yoga are beneficial, building stronger, healthier bones without the strain.
Yoga Movements that are Most Effective
While yoga therapy for osteoporosis is effective in general, there are specific poses or movements that are especially beneficial. The extended triangle pose is one movement that places stress on the lower part of the body, resulting in an improvement in strength as a result. It also stretches the body, making individuals more limber. The Bridge Pose is beneficial for the spine, acting as an effective stretch that strengthens as well. The Seated Twisting Pose also promotes good spinal health. The Twisted Triangle Pose is beneficial in reducing the chance of fractures as it builds strength in joints and bones. The Extended Side Angle Pose and Locust Pose are recommended as well, the latter especially effective for the spine. The Tree Pose and Half Moon Pose are other popular movements that gently strengthen the body while easing pain.
A Positive Choice at Any Age
Many choose yoga to ease the effects of osteoporosis on the body. However, this form of exercise is important at any age. The younger people are when they begin practicing yoga, the better. Yoga has remarkable benefits for the human body, providing an effective form of stress relief, and helping those who practice to maintain emotional balance. It is especially effective for women in staving off osteoporosis, but is an effective alternative for men as well. Those who practice yoga tend to maintain flexibility and coordination well into their advancing years. In effect, yoga holds off the aging process as it keeps the body strong.
Faye Martins, is a Yoga teacher and a graduate of the Yoga teacher training program at: Aura Wellness Center in, Attleboro, MA.
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2 comments:
Yoga therapy for osteoporosis has been found to be an effective form of treatment for the condition. Nice sharing!
Yoga has remarkable benefits for the human body, especially effective for women in staving off osteoporosis, Thanks for this good article!
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