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You don't have to read a dead language to understand the benefits of yoga, they are right there for whatever ails you ...

A Unifying Theory
Yoga is noted for being able to unite the mind, body and spirit for an all-encompassing therapy. However, if you prefer your exercise om-free, steal these therapeutic poses and leave the rest behind.

Yoga and spirituality are tightly entwined. How tight? Think human pretzel. Does the devotee with his knees wrapped up around his shoulders and ankles crossed behind his head ring a bell? Add a candle, a stick of incense, a few chants, and watch a whole crowd of people take a step backward, saying, "That's not for me."

With or Without 'Om'
Their doctors, however, may disagree. The physical practice of yoga, with or without the cultural and religious elements, can be tremendously beneficial to the body. Obviously, yoga can build muscles and endurance; but it can also lower blood pressure, burn fat, lift depression and turn a lethargic body into a more beautiful and energetic temple of good heath. That's right, temple.
"Yoga is more than just the stretching of muscles. Yoga is also the opening of the joints — the pelvis, shoulders and all other significant joints," says Jyoti Chrystal, a yoga therapist and co-director of the Starseed Yoga Center in Montclair, New Jersey. "When you are in a pose, your breathing is affecting your internal organs, and your organs are being squeezed in relation to how your bones are placed. If you have healthy joints and your organs are functioning at their optimal vibrational frequency, your body will be stronger in the face of the aging process and disease."

Chrystal says she "omits the om" when clients come to her for the physical benefits of yoga, but who aren't comfortable with its spiritual aspects. "I think it's very important to gear the practice to receptivity of the client," she says, noting that people may prefer to focus on their own spiritual practices, but still want to experience the physical transformation yoga can deliver.

A Turn for the Best
"I've seen yoga help people with asthma, frequent colds, gastrointestinal problems, respiratory problems, insomnia, anxiety, depression, chronic fatigue and high blood pressure," she says. "And perhaps the most frequent problem I see is lower back issues, and yoga can really be a boon to alleviating back pain."

You don't have to carry a copy of Sanskrit prayers or listen to chants to experience the healing and strengthening benefits of yoga. Choose a class geared towards your interest level, or start a home practice, taking a few minutes every day to do some "exercises" — that just happen to be yoga poses — and start feeling better now.

Top 7 Yoga Poses for What Ails You:

Click on our slide show to the right to see listed poses.

1. Warrior I & II (Indigestion, stomach pains)
2. Downward Facing Dog (depression, anxiety)
3. Upward Hand Pose (repetetive motion injury)
4. Standing Forward Bend (cramps, back pain)
5. Sitting Spinal Twist (diabetes, urinary disorders)
6. Camel Pose (thyroid function)
7. Headstand (blood circulation, back pain)