Some enlightened physicians are quoted in the article, including Dr. Timothy McCall, an internist, Iyengar teacher, and author. Here is a natural health system that, once you learn the basics, you can do at home for free with very little equipment and that could help you avoid expensive, invasive surgical and pharmacological interventions. I thing this is going to be a big thing. As yoga becomes more popular in the U.S., we run the danger of Americanizing it. The Time article warns of falling into the gym yoga rat race a competitive approach to yoga in which you try to out-contort all the other yogis in the class.
Yoga is about the union of mind, body, and spirit.
If you're comparing your downward-facing dog to the next guy's, you're missing the point. Comparing Western and Eastern views of health is like comparing Big Macs and tofu. Even putting yoga in this research competition runs counter to all yoga teaches. Oddly, most of us on the yoga mat don't need the seal of approval of studies and scientific journals. We are too busy listening to and enjoying our healthy bodies and renewed spirits.