by Liz Sinclair

Created on: November 01, 2009   Last Updated: May 12, 2010

Yoga is a series of physical postures practiced using certain breathing methods, in either a flowing or a stationary way. Yoga is growing in popularity and many people now make this ancient health practice a part of their daily routine.

BENEFITS OF YOGA

Yoga can help lift depression and combat stress naturally. According to Dr. Timothy McCall, Yoga Journal's medical editor, who writes a column on the health benefits of yoga, "Studies have found that yoga reduces levels of cortisol (a stress hormone), which is often elevated in people with [depression]." He says that the combination of stimulating and relaxing yoga poses combine to help counteract both stress and depression.

Another health benefit of yoga, says Dr McCall, is that regular practice teaches students that body, mind and emotions are all interconnected in a complex and dynamic way. Any practice that uplifts the body will also benefit the mind and the emotions.

People have successfully used yoga to quit smoking, lose weight and gain strength and flexibility. Evidence suggests that yoga may also help with back pain and sciatica. "Yoga inspires change. It's a tool to help you drop negative habits and adopt helpful ones," says Max Strom, a California yoga teacher.

CHOOSING A TEACHER

Here are some tips for finding a suitable teacher if you're just starting out with yoga.

1. Check the Yellow Pages or local newspapers and publications for yoga classes.

2. Ask friends, family or workmates for recommendations.

3. Contact schools or teachers and ask about the style of yoga they teach and the instructor's teaching qualifications.

4. Choose a beginner's class at a less-popular time of day so the teacher can offer you more personalized attention.

5. Go early to your first class. Talk to the teacher about what you can expect from the class and tell them about any injuries or physical limitations you have.

6. Choose a teacher who makes you feel comfortable and attend their classes regularly. Different instructors have different teaching styles, so once you find a teacher you like, stick with him or her until you feel confident practicing yoga.

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