Google yoga and arthritis, yoga and cancer, yoga and heart disease, yoga for back pain -- nearly any condition for people of any age -- and you’ll get an idea of yoga's vast reach in dealing with medical conditions. What's most important is the fact that much of what you’ll see is research - respected, credible evidence backing up what yogis have known for centuries: yoga reduces stress; promotes healing; speeds recovery; reduces the need for medications; promotes a better sense of well-being and empowers the individual to become a more effective partner in their own healing.

My experiences with private clients, who have dealt with MS, breast cancer and heart issues, patients at the WTC Clinic, who are often dealing with breathing challenges, chronic pain and post traumatic stress disorder, and patients at Coler-Goldwater, many of whom are bedridden or in wheelchairs, made clearer than ever to me the benefits yoga can bring. It’s heartening to know that research continues to support the integration of yoga and meditation practices into health care. Of course, we have a long way to go.

For information, including summaries of the latest research on yoga and information on therapeutic yoga programs throughout the country and the world, the International Association of Yoga Therapists www.iayt.org is a wonderful resource.