Stretch Your Way to Health : Part 1

In the past 10 years, numerous medical studies have demonstrated the remarkable health-enhancing effects of yoga – everything from lowering cholesterol & improving cardiopulmonary circulation to lowering blood sugar levels in Diabetics and increasing chemotherapy recovery rates. There seems to be no end to the ways that yoga can support the body and mind. How does it work? Researchers believe that when your body unwinds and relaxes, the stress hormones that normally interfere with the body' natural immune system subside, letting your body reach optimal health. Check out these 6 videos that will introduce you to the range of yoga styles.

Dr. Weil tells us about the main types of yoga and their benefits. Click to watch the accompanying video to see a demo of each of the yoga styles.

HATHA

Great for beginners, Hatha Yoga is a gentle practice where you move slowly and smoothly through dozens of poses, called asanas. The focus is on holding the poses and integrating your breathing into the movement.

KUNDALINI

This form of yoga harnesses the power of breathing – sometimes rapid, sometimes long and slow – while in various poses that are designed to heal the body naturally from a wide array of conditions.

BIKRAM

The idea behind Bikram yoga is that muscles, which store tension and toxins, will loosen and sweating will cleanse the body and remove symptoms of disease and chronic pain. Be forewarned, Bikram studios are usually heated to about 105 degrees to stimulate the sweating. If you go, stay hydrated!