Our survey showed that med students are very interested in learning more about yoga, both from a scientific standpoint as well as a method to promote our own well-being. Recently, there has been an increased prevalence of literature regarding yoga. Much of this is reputable, trustworthy work but there is also some unreliable material. Below is a brief summary on yoga with some links to sites that are more comprehensive, as well as references to a sampling of articles in scientific journals exploring the current research on the health benefits of yoga (1-6).

History
Yoga, originating in India about 5,000 years ago, is a tradition of exercise, breathing, and meditation with the stated goal of achieving harmony between mind, body, and environment. The most common form that is practiced in the U.S. is known as Hatha Yoga, which focuses primarily on the postures and breathing exercises many people typically associate with yoga. There are numerous other forms of yoga (Raja, Jnana, Ashtanga, etc.) that vary both in exact philosophy and physical intensity. Yoga is also commonly associated with Hinduism, although this is somewhat inaccurate as yoga predates Hinduism by many years.

Benefits
So, why practice yoga? And how would a medical student benefit from such a discipline? A short answer is: yoga makes you feel better! Yoga involves diet, exercise, meditation, and compassion; all of which makes you healthier mentally, spiritually, and physically. A good yoga session brings a calm and peace from within that mere exercise can't accomplish, and a physical sense of well-being that mediation alone lacks. It's a time for you to chill out, relax, and take a well-deserved break from the books. Not only will you shape up and feel better about your body, but your mind will feel clearer and more focused when it comes to studying and test-taking.

In the beginning, it is essential to learn not only what the positions are, but also how to stretch, breathe and relax. Only then will you be ready for a real yoga workout; and a safe one, too. The effects are immediate and the results become more apparent the longer and more often you practice.

Practicing yoga is not a difficult task. Regular practice will help you control your emotions and thus lead a more satisfying life. Some evidence suggests that if you start yoga practice early in your life, it will reduce your risk of developing cancer, diabetes, heart disease, and other serious illnesses (7).

Other benefits include (8):

• Improved muscle tone, flexibility, strength and stamina
• Reduces stress and tension
• Boosts self esteem
• Improves concentration and creativity
• Reduces fat
• Weight loss
• Improves circulation
• Stimulates the immune system
• Creates a sense of well being and calm

Getting Started
Getting started in yoga can be very easy. Even though med students have chaotic and jam-packed schedules, there are plenty of high-quality instructional tapes and books that can fit into a busy life. In addition to tapes and books about yoga (check out the sites listed below), there are numerous local instructors, some of whom can be found through websites, newspapers, or through other local resources. In addition, many university health clubs offer yoga classes as well.

Yoga can also be a great stress-management tool to share with classmates. Many schools have an office of complementary and alternative medicine, and they'll probably be willing to help schedule an informational lunchtime lecture on the theory and benefits of yoga. They may also be able to teach a small class to med students, which can be a great way to reduce costs and ensure the quality of instruction. If no such office exists, there may be instructors or experts in the community or even a Humanism in Medicine group at the med school that would be willing to help. With some persuasion the Dean's Office may even pick up some of the cost.

Summary
So, whether you are a beginner or have practiced yoga your entire life, there are many benefits to learning and integrating such a discipline into our daily lives. As medical students, a lot of stress is placed on our minds, body, and spirit as we master a large mass of intellectual knowledge. However, yoga can help you delve within yourself and find a balance between these three aspects. Not only will yoga help you connect with your inner self, it can help you become a better student and doctor in the future as you become more in touch with your mind and body. And those benefits can last you a lifetime.

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REFERENCES

1. Garfinkel M, Schumacher HR Jr. Yoga. Rheum Dis Clin North Am. 2000 Feb;26(1):125-32.
2. Ray US, Mukhopadhyaya S, et al. Effect of Yogic Exercises on Physical and Mental Health of Young Fellowship Course Trainees. Indian J. Physiol Pharmacol. 2001 Jan;45(1):37-53.
3. Birkel DA, Edgren L. Hatha Yoga: Improved Vital Capacity of College Students. Altern Ther Health Med. 2000 Nov;6(6):55-63
4. Tooley GA, Armstrong SM, et al. Acute increases in nighttime plasma melatonin levels following a period of meditation. Biol Psychol. 2000 May;53(1):69-78.
5. Telles S, Reddy SK, Nagendra HR. Oxygen consumption and respiration following two yoga relaxation techniques. Appl Psychophysiol Biofeedback. 2000 Dec;25(4):221-7.
6. Malothi A Damodaran A. Stress Due to Exams in Medical Students - Role of Yoga. Indian J. Physiol Pharmacol. 1999 Apr;43(2):218-24.
7. http://www.abhidhyan.org/
8. http://www.yogasite.com/