Look, all therapies, and health practices have benefits , and downsides to them. Yoga is no exception. Pharmas are not exempt either. Acupuncture?? Not for me, but if it works for others, go for it. But, and a rather large but is, if claims are made that cannot be substantiated by LARGE , RANDOMIZEd, DOUBLE-BLIND studies, resulting in both clinically AND statistically proven benefits, those claims will fall short of being viable. It is solely a matter of evidence, not MY ego; for crying out loud, I call myself a moron as well--I have little to no ego. But, seeing as how my 35 years occupation was all about clinical studies, setting hem up, monitoring them, false claims then, IMHO, need to be dealt with, lest someone get hurt, as they did because of asshole Al Gore. I like yoga--it works for my hips, and,my GI tract as I minimize taking large doses of Motrin, an irritant to all of our GI systems. But, being the answer to immunology problems?? That shows a lack of knowledge on how and what the immunological system does and works. And I am aware that yoga has been recently forefront as a cure-all for everything. ANd btw, "first hand accounts" are exactly what is wrong with decision making; it is subjective and more than likely erroneous. Sorry, man, that is what science is all about--objectivity, which is very hard to achieve. Keep trying though--maybe you will make it someday to see what I am about--at least I can tell you like a good challenge and argument. That is your first step.
I don't know what all the fuss is about. I'm late to the party on yoga having just started doing it earlier this week to try and help my back issues that I'm dealing with right now. I have always done stretching routines, but this is more than that and it's helping. My lower back will be in pain at the beginning, by the time I'm done, pain is gone, it feels loose and my entire body feels energized. The pain eventually comes back as it's not 100% yet but it's better than nothing.
Oh dsup, have you not read this thread. Yoga is about fluid vibrations and meeting the origins of the universe. Stretching and pain control are for cavemen, yoga is for meeting God. Or some nonsense like that.
Yoga is the joining of breath and body. We all have to breathe. It's about being conscious and present in the moment. Be here now. That and hot flaky chicks in tight yoga pants doing amazing yes amazing stretches. I love yoga. My tai chi instructor said, too much tai chi is too much tai chi. I think it's the same with anything. Except surfing. Quit your job, leave your family, and surf all day. And join a yoga class at night. One with hot chicks in tight yoga pants. Chanting OM to get their chakras all in tune.
To best describe this particular conundrum, one would need to reach for the magnanimous words of the incomparable philosopher and one of the greatest pure thinkers of our time: "To it's their own." - The Shred
Well said. Real evidence > anecdotal evidence. The only caveat is the fallacy "argumentum ad ignorantiam". But if there IS evidence to the contrary, then that takes precedence. Lots of possibilities in the big ol' universe, but until they are proven with real science, they are unproven. I prefer proven
As long as we're on the subject of science.......... Seems certain people are upset that "science" is under question and is "under attack" by another group of people. What, in your opinion, makes science "infallible" or " fallible"?
Nothing makes science infallible. Science is and always will be "fallible" as new evidence enters out thought process. Evidence, as opposed to anecdote, or simple "observation" (very subjective), will carry the day. But even what we consider evidence is malleable and some what protean. Good scientists do not fall for the legend that if we just collect facts, they will lead to a conclusion. Continuing to question your thought process, subjecting it to challenge usually leads to better conclusions. Also, importantly in todays world, just because a scientist was granted a grant purse by the National Science Foundation, that does not legitimize his/hers work as good science. The NSF, is a government agency, governed by political appointees. Its mission is to sponsor study outside of the realm of medicine . The National Institute of Health (NIH) is the "sister agency" to the NSF and is responsable for the study in medicine. The last 8 years, NOT ONE study was granted to a climatologist that had data opposing "global warming". Many were granted to those with repetitive data on global warming. Those marching last weekend were those with grants, cleverly contrived to protect their grants which also includes "living expenses". The NSF should be shut down--it is as useless (for objectivity and evidence) as the United Nations is for intrernational unity (The UN should be shut down, sent to Moscow).
I'm sure someone will take my words the wrong way. So ill start but saying this. I believe in science. If something makes sense scientifically, I'll believe it. BUT..... who's to say our science is correct? Sure we are smart. But us humans tend to think we know everything. We don't. We figured out allot of things. But there is definitely things that are beyond us. We can measure and know about sound waves, light waves, shock waves.... But what about other forms of energy? There COULD be other forms of energy that we can't measure. We could be 100% clueless about it. For instance, to keep this thread on topic, look at what archy said a few pages back when he responded to me. Or yoga in general. Maybe there is something to it, but scientifically we can't prove because we are not there yet. I'm just playing devils advocate here. Although i do believe there is stuff that is beyond our knowledge, but not much at this point. Just remember our scientist are smart, but there not all knowing. There human too just like you and me.
We can prove it and we have the methodology to prove it. But believers in yoga, and those that teach it, probably don't want to know the truth. Just like chiropractors. Both arts are physical therapy, exercise, nothing more. Exercise is a discipline,and an arduous one at that. Is there anything wrong with that? Nope. But simple exercise doesn't sell, so why scrutinize what we are selling?? Even with pharmaceuticals, 30% of all positive responses are placebo affect. Tell people they will get better, and they will. Yoga teachers tell people they will get better--they are using the placebo effect. Randomized controlled studies separate placebo effect from medical effects. Because of that, some are afraid to know the real results.
Some yoga followers are as blind faith self-righteous hypocrites as some "christians." And Barry is correct, they have nothing to back it up except other blind faith yoga worshippers. For once someone has shown the nerve to to give a differing view on yoga. Like, really? I just want to surf. Why do i have to do yoga? Because it will guarantee i surf better? Why do you care? I want to surf or talk surf, not hear about yoga. Like people want to surf and talk about surfing, not have to hear about God, and eternal life through Jesus Christ. Open season on that, but, everybody better do yoga! Or be scorned and cast out. .And everyone over 30 has to eat one banana every day for the rest of their life. And move to Florida at age 70. The gospel of yoga. Stop forcing your religion down my throat. It is a total turnoff. This is swellinfo, not yoga.com.. In fact, yoga.com should tell everyone to take up surfing. Oh, they probably do. And everyone get the #1 selling board in the world, a costco wavestorm. But i digress...or do i?
Damn dude, no ones forcing sh*t on you. Mellow Out Man! [video=youtube;w4sSPd1Ijzg]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w4sSPd1Ijzg[/video]
