The Science of Yoga
Although I've been a student of yoga for many years, I'm certainly no expert. So when I came across a recently published book by Wiiliam J. Broad, Pulitzer Prize-winning senior science writer at the New York Times, I welcomed the opportunity to learn more about the science behind my weekly workout.
The book is The Science of Yoga: the risks and the rewards and it has stirred up a lot of controversy in the yoga world. The dust-up started when an exerpt was published in the New York Times Magazine, and grew from there. In an afterword to the recently published paperback edition, Broad addressed his critics. A Huffington Post article chronicling the controversy and attracted its own strongly worded comments. However, much of the response to the book in the broader community has been positive. Kirkus Reviews called it a "fair, well-reasoned assessment" and Choice Reviews described it as "...a thorough and well-written overview of yoga's development, history, health benefits, and adoption by popular culture".
Broad has practiced yoga for over 40 years and appreciates its benefits from his own experience. Yet when he looked for studies to confirm them, he didn't find many. So he decided to review the research into both the benefits and the risks of yoga.
To learn more about the book from the author, read William Broad's NPR interview or watch this NY1 television interview:
My verdict: this is a must-read for students and teachers of yoga. The sensational parts that have received the most attention, both positive (yoga and sex) and negative (the remote but real risk of serious injury) are just a small part of this book. You may not agree with Broad's arguments, but you shouldn't make up your mind before reading them.
For more information on yoga and health, sign in with your library card to read a report from the Natural Standard, which provides " high-quality, evidence-based information about complementary and alternative medicine ".
Further reading suggestions on this topic:
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Of course there are elements in yoga that can't be measured or explained by science. After reading The Science of Yoga I made some changes to my own practice. But to my mind the risk of injury is very small, it is manageable and it is far outweighed by yoga's many benefits, both those that can be measured and those that are less tangible.
If you've read the book - or followed the controversy - I'd love to hear your opinion.
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