Previous research has shown that meditators have a lower perception of pain than those who do not practice the mind-body technique. Now, scientists at the Group Health Research Institute suggest that yoga may have similar benefits for people experiencing lower back pain.
In a 12-week trial, authors of the study assigned a group of volunteers to one of three subsets: one that performed yoga, another that engaged in stretching exercises and a third that consulted a self-help book on back pain.
At the end of the study period, the researchers noted that volunteers in the yoga and stretching groups experienced less back pain than those assigned reading material.
"Our results suggest that both yoga and stretching can be good, safe options for people who are willing to try physical activity to relieve their moderate low back pain," said study leader Karen J. Sherman, Ph.D., M.P.H.
Author and philosopher Ilchi Lee believes in the power of yoga and meditation to help individuals strengthen their minds and bodies. In fact, if everyone gained the fulfillment that can be derived from these practices, Lee says the world may be a more peaceful place to live.
