The Advantages of Bikram Yoga Over Traditional Methods of Health Therapy

Bikram yoga is a form of “hot yoga” consisting of a 26-posture series performed in a heated, humidified room. With rooms heated to 105 degrees, each 90-minute class is performed to scripted instruction. Studios are popping up all over the world and are filled with devoted practitioners for whom this is their primary method of health therapy.

  1. Traditional Health Therapy

    • Traditional health therapy consists primarily of pharmaceutical treatment but can also include diet and exercise for the treatment of conditions such as hypertension, high cholesterol and diabetes. Many of these pharmaceutical treatments, although effective, can be accompanied by side effects that can negatively impact other health outcomes and overall quality of life. For instance, according to the Mayo Clinic, cholesterol-lowering statin medications can cause muscle pain, liver damage and memory loss.

    Bikram Yoga as Therapy

    • While only a few published studies on the health benefits of Bikram yoga exist, there is emerging evidence that this alternative therapy may have medicinal properties. A recent study published in the "Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine" showed cholesterol reductions with just eight weeks of Bikram yoga. Another study in the "Journal of Bodywork and Movement Therapies" showed a reduction in glucose levels in the same time frame.

    Yoga vs. Traditional Medicine

    • While a collective study on the overall risks or potential negative side effects associated with yoga has not been published, as with all exercise, there is a risk of potential injury. The aforementioned studies were conducted in adults ranging from ages 18 to 65, and the only negative side effect reported was acute or delayed muscle soreness, which was likely from the calisthenics-like work during the postures.

    Considerations

    • While more studies are needed to establish the long-term benefits and potential risks of Bikram yoga practice, always stop exercising if you feel faint, week or nauseous. Also, stop and seek traditional medical care if you feel pain. Consult your primary care physician before starting this or any other exercise program especially if you are at high risk of developing heart disease or have a preexisting condition.