Basics Column

Beginners Expert Q&A

Practice

Sanskrit Glossary

Beginner Downloads

Today's Daily Tip

Inversions for Beginners?

B.K.S. Iyengar, one of the most influential voices in Western yoga, calls Sirsasana (Headstand) and Sarvangasana (Shoulderstand) the king and queen ... (continued)

Multimedia

Video Channel:
From the Magazine

Behind the Scenes at a Yoga Journal Photoshoot

See the work and dedication of our editorial and art teams as we create the images to illustrate Chaturanga.

Watch Video

Can You Prove That Yoga Works?

Do backbends help fight depression? Maybe.

By Timothy McCall M.D.

When we don't know precisely why something works, it's best to admit it, rather than dress it up in the language of science to make it sound more impressive. The easiest thing to do is acknowledge your sources: This comes from my teacher, this from Patanjali, this from my own experience, and this from a trial study done at the Mayo Clinic.

From Patanjali's perspective, the most reliable knowledge is derived from direct experience. The irony is that when we try to explain yoga in scientific terms when the science just isn't there, we risk undermining our attempts to persuade others of yoga's benefits.

Timothy McCall is Yoga Journal's medical editor. To suggest story ideas for future columns, e-mail drmccall@yogajournal.com. You can also find him through his Web site, www.drmccall.com.

Page 1 2

See All Basics Column Articles »

Recent Basics Articles

Subscribe to Yoga Journal Magazine

Reader Comments

Karin	txs for sharing this great article..... Yoga is something absolutely great....and I agree that we shouldnt try to explain too much....as the effects are really very complex
Linsey	the faith and mystery involved with yoga are what make it so beautiful , and the more scientific side of the benefits can help to motivate one to keep practicing as well. Its all about balance.
Meredith Gabriel	I could not agree more with this article. Currently I am a physical therapy assistant student and yoga teacher for 4+ years. As a physical therapist assistant my goal is to connect with PTs to conduct research on this very subject. We need research to prove that yoga works so it can be brought into Western medicine. Doctors should be writing prescriptions for yoga class not pain killers. As a PTA I hope to be a part of research that proves yoga has therapeutic benefits and can be accepted into modern medicine.

See All Comments » Add a Comment »

Subscribe and
Get 2 Free Issues
+ 2 Free Gifts!

Give a Gift »
Customer Service »

Get 2 FREE Trial Issues and 2 FREE Gifts!

Your subscription includes
2 FREE GIFTS:

Yoga for Neck & Shoulders

A digital guide to 11 postures that relieve neck, back and shoulder tension.

Yoga Remedies for Everyday Ailments

A digital guide to 8 postures that relieve common health problems such as stress, backache, wrist strain, and insomnia.

Yes! Please send me 2 FREE trial issues
of Yoga Journal and my 2 FREE GIFTS

Full Name:
Address 1:
Address 2:
City:
State:
Zip Code:
Email (req):
If I like it and decide to continue, I'll pay just $16.95, and receive a full one-year subscription (9 issues in all), a 62% savings off the newsstand price!

Offer valid in US only.
Canadian subscriptions | International subscriptions

Pay Now and Get 2
Bonus Issues

Pay now and get
TWO EXTRA ISSUES FREE!
That's 10 issues for the
same low price!
Click Here to PAY NOW!