tmoody@sjuvax.UUCP (T. Moody) (10/21/85)
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A few weeks ago, I posted a request in this newsgroup for
information about the physiological effects of Hatha Yoga,
particularly its effects on the circulatory system. I had read that
studies done at a research lab in South Carolina had turned up the
surprising result that these effects resembled those of aerobic
exercies. But I couldn't remember *where* I read it, so I posted the
request.
I got a few responses. The most interesting one was a pointer to
a book called _Science_Studies_Yoga_, by James Funderburk, Ph.D.
(mathematics). Funderburk simply collected the results of many
studies and put them together in one book. I shall mention a few of
the interesting results (not all of the studies collected in the book
are "favorable" to Yoga, BTW).
(1) The practice of Hatha Yoga appeared to have a greater efficacy in
lowering serum cholesterol levels (esp. if elevated to begin with)
than simple aerobic exercise.
(2) Hatha Yoga appears to effect significant reduction in blood
pressure, in as little as 3 or 4 weeks, particularly for individuals
with hypertensive tendencies to begin with.
The book was published in 1977; I presume that there is more recent
work out. One of the difficulties here is the standardization of what
is meant by "yoga". Some yoga regimens are quite strenuous; others
are very gentle. One posture, the "bow pose", is not supposed to be
attempted by hypertensives, without medical supervision.
I thank those who gave me pointers. If anyone else out there knows of
more recent work, I am still interested.
Todd Moody | {allegra|astrovax|bpa|burdvax}!sjuvax!tmoody
Philosophy Department |
St. Joseph's U. | "I couldn't fail to
Philadelphia, PA 19131 | disagree with you less."