Osteoporosis - Watch Out!
200 million people are affected by osteoporosis worldwide. The loss of bone density increases the risk of fracture, primarily in the hip, spine and wrist. Quality of life declines rapidly after suffering any one of these fractures.
Monitoring of bone density and prevention of falls are sensible approaches to the issue. So is the strengthening of bones, where the practice of yoga can play an essential role.
Curious about that study? Meet Loren Fishman, M.D.
A physician lecturer at Columbia University and a student of Iyengar yoga, he set out to prove that practicing yoga has a positive effect on bone density. In order to convince the medical community, he orchestrated a long term study in 2006 which is ongoing. He asked subjects to practice a sequence of 12 poses that he thought would increase bone density, daily. The results were phenomenal, with 80% of participants showing improvement in their DEXA scan results within 2 years. A big plus: no injuries in 250,000 hours of practice! May I add that Dr. Fishman has a tremendous sense of humor?
