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by Shashi K. Agarwal MD (Author)
The ancient practice of yoga has seen an impressive growth in the USA. According to the National Center for Complimentary and Integrative Health, 9.5% of all U.S. adults (approximately 21 million) practiced yoga in 2016. This is a significant increase from 5.1% in 2002 and 6.1% in 2007. Its adoption as an ingredient for a healthier lifestyle, is growing, not only in the USA, but around the world. Yoga is popular in the healthy population. Nearly, two-thirds of these individuals report that yoga practice has motivated them to exercise more regularly, and 4 in 10 report they are motivated to eat healthier. More than 80 percent of yoga users report reduced stress with yoga. Most feel better - they have improved body-image and self-confidence. They are less irritable and more relaxed. They develop increased attentiveness and notice enhanced efficiency. Their interpersonal relationships improve, and they are happier. They become more positive and optimistic about their future. Yoga has also garnered serious therapeutic scrutiny. Published research studies on yoga, and its effects on medical conditions, were three times as high in 2013 as in 2010. This investigational inquisitiveness has not slackened. As an adjunct intervention, yoga has demonstrated significant benefits in several common medical conditions, such as hypertension, coronary artery disease, diabetes mellitus, arthritis and depression. It also improves the quality of life of most patients. Yoga is non-pharmacological and non-surgical. Its practice is feasible in most medical conditions, and it can be individually tailored. It is simple, cheap and safe. It is amenable to all age groups, and does not require any sophisticated equipment. It can be done literally anywhere and at anytime. This book is essential for every health care provider, yoga teacher and yoga practitioner. The author briefly reviews the most recent clinical trials and offers evidence based conclusions, on the therapeutic effects of yoga in over fifty medical conditions.
