Yoga - why people love it; East vs. West in medicine (sore, muscles)

[robertpasa]

Is it true that yoga has some effect on the mind and not just the body? There was some actor or other celeb who was skeptical about yoga but then he liked it so much that he wrote a book about it. What effect does it have on the mind that wouldn't come from Western exercises?

Are there things about the connection between mind and body, that is understood more in Asia than in the West? That is my impression. I've never tried yoga.

There's also acupuncture which works for some people in the west. I think it's not considered medicine in the west.

[Ruth4Truth]

Yoga stimulates testosterone, which is the sex-drive hormone. It was originally developed as part of an ancient sex cult in India. Some people find the meditative aspect calming. A NY Times reporter, William Broad, researched it and published a book on Yoga's history and a scientific analysis of it (the effects on the body and mind) a couple of years ago. You might find it an informative read. "The Science of Yoga: The Risks And Rewards".

[BATCAT]

Originally Posted by robertpasa

Is it true that yoga has some effect on the mind and not just the body? There was some actor or other celeb who was skeptical about yoga but then he liked it so much that he wrote a book about it. What effect does it have on the mind that wouldn't come from Western exercises?

Yoga has both physical and a mental components. Many instructors/studios will emphasize one or the other, or it might be a blend.

Specific kinds of breathing as well as mindfulness are a big part of the mental side of it. These have an effect on both the mind and body, and are not generally part of traditional Western exercise routines.

[robertpasa]

Don't other exercises also stimulate testosterone?

[Azmordean]

I like yoga for one simple reason -- it is the perfect counter to my other activities. I lift heavy weights a lot, I cycle a lot -- neither of those results in great flexibility or looseness. Yoga counters the tightness, improves flexibility, and stretches me out. I only do yoga once a week, but it's a valuable part of my fitness regimen.

[gypsychic]

Originally Posted by Azmordean

I like yoga for one simple reason -- it is the perfect counter to my other activities. I lift heavy weights a lot, I cycle a lot -- neither of those results in great flexibility or looseness. Yoga counters the tightness, improves flexibility, and stretches me out. I only do yoga once a week, but it's a valuable part of my fitness regimen.

Same here ^^^. I also get weekly acupuncture (which OP mentioned) and it includes some vigorous Chinese massage (tuina) that helps my sore muscles considerably.

[dmt3d]

I love Yoga every so often.

While Yoga and regular weight lifting (which is my regular form of exercise) essentially do same thing, I find yoga as a better stress reliever. There are many different forms of Yoga, i personally focus on mind and body connection as well as flexibility.

Since starting Yoga I feel as I lift weights with better form, more controlled and some injuries that were reoccurring have been non-existent

[hawaiiancoconut]

For women: Its a good reason to buy and wear those tight yoga pants?

[veuvegirl]

Yoga helps mentally through breathing. Much of yoga is learning to relax while you are in a difficult pose. You also have meditation at the end, time to relax,and not think. Yoga is really fantastic!

[biscuitmom]

I'm 65, started yoga at 61 and can't imagine life without it. As expected, it's increased (dramatically) my flexibility, posture, carriage, etc.

But the real benefits are less tangible and harder to describe. Yoga slows me down, makes me concentrate on the here and now.