University of Iowa Health Science Relations and
Nicole Nisly, MD
Associate Professor of Internal Medicine
First Published: September 2003
Peer Review Status: Internally Peer Reviewed

If you don't know a boat pose from a tree pose, it's time you learned more about yoga.

For over 2,000 years, yoga, meaning the unity of the body and the vital life force, has been practiced. The program unites the body with the mind and consists of a series of slow, gentle stretches accompanied by deep, steady breathing. It strengthens the body while calming and awakening the spirit.

"The deep, steady breathing of yoga is believed to balance the nervous system and improve circulation," says Nicole Nisly, MD, UI Hospitals and Clinics Complementary and Alternative Medicine Clinic. "Combine that with visualization and relaxation, and yoga leads to a calm and focused state of mind."

The benefits of yoga are seen in a wide variety of health conditions. In mild cases of asthma and high blood pressure, yoga can reduce the need for medication. Yoga also can be useful in helping people cope with diabetes, Parkinson's disease, cerebral palsy, and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. Yoga also has been extremely helpful in relieving back pain, especially in pregnant women.

"Yoga has become increasingly popular, even in small cities and towns, and it's not limited to any certain group of individuals. People of all sizes, shapes, and ages can do yoga," Nisley says.

If you're just starting, you will want to be sure and find a class designed for beginners and tell your instructor of any physical limitations you may have. If you're not ready to venture out into public, several yoga videos are available in stores and libraries.