DEBORAH MATZA: I'll just elaborate a little bit. What you talked about is there are several aspects of yoga, and you referred to what people are most familiar with, which is Hatha, which is the series of the physical poses. That's what people think of when they think of folding up into a pretzel. Then there's also breathing practices, and it also includes meditation and often deep relaxation. Some yoga styles include chanting, and there are a number of other aspects. So it's really very comprehensive, but most people, when they think of yoga, just think of the poses.
DAVID FOLK THOMAS: When I think of yoga-- and it's something I have been meaning to do-- I've never had the nerve to get in there because I always start thinking, "I'm not limber enough to do yoga." What do you say to people like myself who think you have to be able to put yourself into a pretzel?
DEBORAH MATZA: That's exactly why I was mentioning that, because yoga can be adapted for really almost any individual. There are certain conditions where it's not recommended, but they're very few, and the idea is it helps to promote flexibility in the body. So if you're not limber, it's a perfect place to start. It helps to stretch and tone the muscles of the body and it helps to align the joints and the spine, and it really is excellent for flexibility.
DAVID FOLK THOMAS: Dr. Kligler, as far as whether it's good for health, can it cure what ails you?
