Practicing yoga for at least three hours a week for three months reduced the fatigue and inflammation in breast cancer survivors, compared with survivors who did no yoga, researchers reported.

And the more yoga, the greater the change.

At six months three months after the formal yoga had ended fatigue was 57 percent lower in the women who had done yoga, compared with those who had not. Inflammation, measured by blood tests, was reduced by up to 20 percent, said the researchers, from the Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center.

We also think the results could easily generalize to other groups of people who have issues with fatigue and inflammation, Janice Kiecolt-Glaser, the lead researcher and a psychiatry and psychology professor at Ohio State, said in a statement.

Two hundred breast cancer survivors were divided into two groups: one that took two 90-minute Hatha yoga classes a week, and one that did no yoga. The yoga practitioners also were encouraged to do additional yoga at home, and did so an average of almost 25 minutes a day. The women were yoga novices.

The researchers noted that yoga can be tailored to various abilities the women in the study were ages 27 to 76 and has been shown to help with mood and sleep among cancer survivors.

The study did not include aerobic exercise, and the participants did not lose weight.

And that, Kiecolt-Glaser said by telephone, led to a surprise. Other research had shown that inflammation a mechanism for loss of function and disability was unlikely to be reduced without weight loss. But she said there could be several reasons why her subjects had reduced inflammation without losing weight, including that yoga helps sleep and stress, which are associated with inflammation.

The women practiced Hatha yoga, a restorative form that was recommended by an expert in Columbus, Ohio, Kiecolt-Glaser said.

Breast cancer treatment can be exhausting, and that can lead to less activity, which in turn can lead to a decreased capacity for activity in what Kiecolt-Glaser called a downward spiral.

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Yoga beneficial to cancer survivors

There will be free classes all day in several types of yoga and meditation, plus an acro-yoga show thatll demonstrate a dynamic way to loosen up a too-tight back.

And, speaking of being too-tight and the aches and pains that go with them, relief will be in sight here, with free holistic treatments all day, including Thai massage, acupuncture, Shiatsu Shin Tai, Qi Healing and Reiki.

And: a free organic lunch will be provided.

Its a perfect opportunity to try out yoga and treat yourself to a holistic healing mini-session, said Carolyn Cohen, owner and director of Jaya Healing Arts & Yoga Studio, which will host the open house this Saturday (Feb. 1) from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. The Jaya studio is on the second floor of 21 Bridge St. in Lambertville.

Ms. Cohen and a partner will do the acro-yoga demonstration.

The flier is held aloft, at the base of his or her spine, on the feet of a partner who is lying on a mat with his or her legs held perpendicular to the floor.

The feet are at the base of the fliers spine, Ms. Cohen said. By being loose in this position, the flier can release compression in their spine. Acro-yoga can also help the lower back of the base thats the partner whos holding the flier aloft.

Kundalini yoga is one of the other types of yoga that will be taught Saturday.

Kundalini is focused on internal cleansing, Ms. Cohen said. It focuses on the endocrine and lymph systems. Its less physical than other types of yoga.

Other classes will be in alignment vinyasa, warm vinyasa, yoga nidra and qi gong.

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LAMBERTVILLE: Yoga studio has remedy for winter aches and pains

Sacramento, CA (PRWEB) February 18, 2014

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Mandatory Book: Yoga Mind & Body, Sivananda Yoga Vedanta Center (available at the Ashrams boutique from December June, online and at the Sivananda Centers' stores worldwide.)

This course draws on ancient yogic wisdom for establishing inner and outer health and peace, and incorporate the 5 points of yoga as shared by Swami Vishnudevananda. These are:

Proper Exercise (Asanas) - Yoga poses help develop a strong, healthy body by enhancing flexibility and improving circulation. Proper Breathing (Pranayama) - Deep, conscious breathing reduces stress and many diseases. Proper Relaxation - Helps keep the body from going into overload, easing worry and fatigue. Proper Diet - Eating simple, healthy and vegetarian foods that are easy to digest notably have a positive effect on the mind and body, as well as the environment and other living beings. Positive Thinking and Meditation

Located across the bay from Nassau, on one of the finest beaches in the world, the Sivananda Ashram Yoga Retreat is an island paradise with a tropical garden, crystal clear water and pure white sands - a true sanctuary of peace and natural beauty. Recognized among world Yoga Retreats, the ashram offers year-round programs presented by world renowned speakers, as well as certification courses on various yoga related topics through which you can expand your knowledge, gain a new skill and get certified while enjoying a joyous yoga practice and blissful relaxation. The Yoga retreat center also offers year-round Yoga teacher training programs, Ayurvedic Yoga Therapy Courses, Yoga for beginners, Yoga vacations and many other courses.

For more information, please visit http://www.sivanandabahamas.org.

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Yoga for Beginners Course Offered in Caribbean Sivananda Yoga Retreat in the Bahamas

Hot yoga classes are soaring in popularity. A number of celebrities, including Lady Gaga and Madonna, swear by hot yoga. So do legions of yoga practitioners. But many of the hot yoga classes require heat of at least 105F and humidity around 40 percent. Is exercising in extreme heat and humidity healthful? Consumer Reports medical experts have a caution.

Though there is little specific research on hot yoga, we do know that exercising in extreme heat can cause a number of uncomfortable and even dangerous symptoms. It can lead to heat exhaustion or heat stroke. Warning signs include feeling lightheaded or dizzy, or experiencing nausea or muscle cramps. If you suffer more serious symptoms either during or after class, such as unusual weakness, fever, vomiting, or confusion, Consumer Reports advises going to the nearest emergency room.

Bikram hot yoga practitioners say the high temperature and humidity promote health. Studio owner Rich Pike says he hasnt had complaints of heat exhaustion and touts the benefits. He says, Heat allows you to bend safely and be more flexible. What the sweating does is it eliminates toxins through your sweat.

Consumer Reports says that though the heat may help you stretch further, it can also cause you to overstretch, leading to possible joint or muscle damage.

Consumer Reports advice: Whatever exercise you do, stop if you feel pain or heat exhaustion. Be sure always to drink plenty of water. And with any type of yoga, Consumer Reports says there are steps you can take to avoid picking up viruses or bacteria. Bring your own mat and towels. Cover any cuts or scrapes with an adhesive bandage, and use alcohol wipes to wipe down any surfaces, such as mats or blocks.

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Dont Waste Your Money: Hazards of Hot Yoga