The Effects of Yoga on the Skeletal System

Yoga is one of the world's oldest and most widely practiced forms of exercise. Both practitioners and medical experts have found that yoga provides an effective and holistic approach for keeping bones healthy and strong into old age.

History

• The system of yoga, which means to yoke or unite, was developed by ancient Indian, Chinese, Tibetan and Mayan civilizations. Yoga, which dates back to 40,000 BC, has been credited for renewing bone health, as well as creating mental and spiritual well-being.

Benefits

• A consistent yoga practice improves posture and tones muscles, which reduces the weight and pressure on joints. Yoga also increases flexibility and relieves tension in the spine, hips and pelvis. It also maintains bone density and protects the body against common conditions such as osteoporosis.

Weight-Bearing Poses

• Weight-bearing standing, inversion and arm-balancing poses, such as plow, plank and downward-facing dog, help increase bone mass and prevent fractures.

Expert Insight

• According to Mary Schatz, M.D., a noted pathologist and yoga instructor, inversion and standing poses stimulate the bones, allowing them to absorb calcium.

Considerations

• Depending on their condition, individuals who are pregnant, suffer from osteoporotic fractures, have neck or spinal injuries, high blood pressure or heart problems should avoid practicing certain twisting, bending and standing poses.