Research shows yoga may help control blood pressure, chronic pain
By SUZY COHEN Dear Pharmacist on Sep 7, 2013, at 2:25 AM Updated on 9/08/13 at 8:44 AM
Column - Dear Pharmacist
Dear Pharmacist, I take a dozen antibiotics per year due to frequent infections. What else can I take?
Dear Pharmacist, I am 60 years old, and now I'm told I have osteoarthritis. My doctor said that there is no known "cure." I need to know the best natural treatments. - O.W. Melbourne, Fla.
Dear Pharmacist, I have neck pain, sciatica and headaches. I've tried prednisone, Celebrex, Ibuprofen, Vicodin, physical therapy, chiropractors, massage, reiki, acupuncture, prayer work, laser and two surgeries on my neck. Nothing helps. Please, any ideas? - D.C., San Diego
Assuming your diet is good, I'd try yoga next. I hear you thinking, "I can't even sit without pain, why should I twist myself into a knot?" Because research proves yoga can help certain types of neck and back pain, headaches, migraines, anxiety, high blood pressure and osteoporosis. It has no side effects other than making you feel refreshed, sort of like a human breath mint!
In a 2012 German study, researchers saw how a nine-week yoga program helped participants with chronic neck pain. Yoga has been around for centuries, and there's no harm so long as you don't push your body past its limits. I would still get your physician and chiropractor's blessings.
Sciatica is a common condition in which lower back pain extends into one or both legs, by way of the sciatic nerve. A January 2013 study demonstrated that certain yoga poses relieved symptoms of sciatica including pain and rigidity.
Flexibility helps your posture, and the strength that yoga builds in your bones and muscles may reduce your odds for arthritis. A systematic review was performed earlier this year in New Zealand, and evidence showed regular yoga practice might alleviate pain caused by musculoskeletal disorders.
Your mind benefits, too. A 2012 study performed in London showed yoga and meditation significantly reduced anxiety and blood pressure and improved mood. That occurs by increasing "happy" serotonin levels while lowering cortisol, a stress hormone.
Choose classes carefully. Call in advance and ask about the class you want to take. Classes labeled "restorative" or "yin" are gentle, and cool; those labeled "Vinyasa" or "Hatha" are also fairly easy. Start out slowly and with your doctor's permission because you've had surgeries.
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Column - Dear Pharmacist
Dear Pharmacist, I take a dozen antibiotics per year due to frequent infections. What else can I take?
Dear Pharmacist, I am 60 years old, and now I'm told I have osteoarthritis. My doctor said that there is no known "cure." I need to know the best natural treatments. - O.W. Melbourne, Fla.
