Research Area
Associations of yoga practice, health status, and health behavior
Research Title
Associations of yoga practice, health status, and health behavior among yoga practitioners in Germany
Introduction
Yoga is an ancient spiritual and health practice traditionally including physical postures, breathing exercises, meditation, philosophical and lifestyle lectures. Due, in part, to its biopsychosocial approach, it is increasingly appreciated for its role in health promotion and management. Over recent years, different yoga schools have emerged that vary in their focus on physical and mental practices. Although yoga is generally perceived as a unitary practice, its actual content can range from exclusively meditation through a combination of mental and physical techniques to relatively intensive physical activity. The ratification of an International Yoga Day by the General Assembly of the United Nations highlighted yoga’s potential role in the prevention and management of non-communicable diseases.
Abstract
While yoga can improve health-related variables and health behavior, different yoga styles and practice components appear to be associated with specific health outcomes. The aim of this study was to explore the connection between yoga use, health, and health behaviors across different yoga styles.
Conclusion
Yoga practitioners generally have a good overall health and a healthy lifestyle. While health variables are mainly associated with practice of yoga postures, health behaviors are also associated with the study of yoga philosophy. Yoga interventions targeting prevention or health promotion should include yoga philosophy to modify health behaviors. The specific yoga style employed may also influence health outcomes.
