Motion pattern of healthy yoga practitioner

<p>Yoga is a physical and mental discipline that was developed in India over 2000 years ago and is gaining popularity in Western societies (Roland Jakobi & Jones 2011). It is being practiced in health clubs private studios and homes all over North America (Hagins Moore & Rundle 2007). It is estimated that participation has tripled between 2006 and 2011 (Roland et al. 2011). In a recent survey researchers found that 6.9% of Americans are practicing yoga with an additional 18.3 million expressing an interest in trying it (Roland et al. 2011). Many participants practice yoga to treat neck and back pain (Williams et al. 2005) and improve overall mental and physical health (Hayes & Chase 2010). Western doctors and therapists are recommending yoga to their patients as a medical therapy (Hayes & Chase 2010). In the growing field of yoga therapy professionals are seeking to establish yoga as an independently viable healing practice as well as integrate it into the current Western medical model (Hayes & Chase 2010). However as with the evaluation of all therapies seeking legitimacy evidence of yoga therapy's benefits must withstand the scrutiny of the scientific inquiry (Uhlig 2012). In an article by Mueller (2002) the author cautions health authorities and potential yoga participants about the risks of selecting an inappropriate yoga style studio and teacher for the specific needs of the individual. Further evaluation of the benefits of yoga will aid health care providers and fitness professionals in recommending the most beneficial yoga practice to their patients (Cowen & Adams 2005; Hayes & Chase 2010). </p>