Motion pattern of healthy yoga practitioner

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).