5. Yoga
Yoga is an ancient mind and body practice involving physical postures, breathing exercises, meditation and relaxation techniques. Studies suggest it may help reduce stress, improve mood and sleep quality as well as aiding weight loss. Yoga may also help alleviate pain from osteoarthritis, headaches, high blood pressure and chronic back pain while acting as a possible adjunct therapy to treatment programs for some individuals with substance use disorders.
Yoga emphasizes self-awareness by harmonizing all parts of oneself – body, breath, emotions, intellect and soul – into harmony with each other. The aim of this practice is to reach Samadhi or union with the divine; yoga does not define who or what this divine force may be but simply emphasizes there being one God and that all things are connected.
Western perception of yoga may conjure images of impossible physical postures; however, this is only an incomplete representation of its true purpose. Yoga’s name literally translates as “to unite or join together.” Yoga offers a system and technology for connecting to inner self, higher self, and universal awareness.
Before beginning any complementary therapy, such as yoga, it’s essential that you consult with your healthcare provider first. Yoga should never replace medical treatment or advice about specific health problems and should never be used as an escape mechanism from underlying issues. Yoga has been proven to increase quality of life for those living with multiple myeloma as part of a healthier lifestyle; research indicates it can reduce anxiety, depression and other mental/emotional conditions while improving balance and gait while relieving stress and supporting weight control.
