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Yoga is a low-cost self-help approach to well-being. Emerging studies have shown the positive effects of yoga and exercise on the physiological, biochemical, cognitive, and molecular changes. Interestingly, studies focused on yoga practices has shown an increase in the pool of hematopoietic stem cells, endothelial progenitor cells in bone marrow and peripheral blood, cognitive functions, delay in ageing, altered gene expression, cell proliferation, cytokine secretion. Studies related to endurance exercises have provided indirect evidence documenting an increase of neurotransmitters, neurogenesis, angiogenesis, neurotropic factors.

This book amalgamates a range of perspectives in the field of yoga as a non-pharmacological intervention for promoting health under extremes of environmental conditions and disease stress. It encompasses research conducted using laboratory tools (e.g. Human case studies etc.), surveys, and yoga as an intervention to alleviate symptoms against environmental and occupational stress induced diseases.

Contents: Preface. Section I : Yoga as a Preventive Medicine. 1. Different forms and styles of yoga. 2. Physiological basis of asana and pranayama. 3. Yoga, meditation and mind-body health. 4. Stress management through yoga. 5. Effectiveness of yoga on physical performance and well-being. Section II : Yoga for Extreme Environment. 6. Yoga for combating the extreme cold environment of Antarctica. 7. High altitude environment and yoga for better acclimatization. 8. Extreme environment of hot deserts and benefit from yoga for better acclimatization. 9. Confined environment of submarine and yoga. Section III: Yoga as a Non-Pharmacological Intervention in Diseases. 10. Asthma management by yoga. 11. Yoga fights obesity and eating disorders. 12. Yoga for better sleep. 13. Yoga for healthy ageing. 14. Yoga for prevention of cardiovascular diseases. 15. Yoga for prevention of diabetes. 16. Yoga for prevention of osteoporosis. 17. Yoga as a preventive therapy for rheumatoid arthritis. 18. Yoga to improve mental function.