While there are several branches of yoga, Hatha Yoga is the most widely practiced yoga system in the West. It involves postures that stretch and tone all of the body's muscles and joints, as well as breathing disciplines which calm and revitalize the mind and body.
Medical research has identified a number of potential health benefits of yoga, such as lowering blood pressure in hypertension patients. The November 11, 1998, issue of the Journal of the American Medical Association reported that yoga postures based on the Iyengar method can relieve symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome. And a study in the December 1994 Journal of Rheumatology documents how yoga can help remedy symptoms of osteoarthritis in the hands and finger joints.
Members of the Los Angeles Lakers basketball team regularly practice yoga to cultivate their mind-body focus, balance and flexibility. But yoga teacher Nateshvar Ken Scott says, "The beauty of yoga is that anyone of any age can do it, since it requires no special athletic ability." Scott's students have included actors Woody Harrelson and Demi Moore and fashion designer Donna Karan.
