Yoga literally means 'union' of the mind, body, and spirit. The combination of these items, when done properly, has a profound effect on the mind, body, and spirit. In the West, the mind, body, and spirit are treated as separate entities that are not connected. For example, we go to a doctor to mend our bodies, a house of worship to attend to our spirits, and a psychiatrist to heal our minds. In the East, it is impossible to talk about disease without considering the state of the mind and spirit.
Yoga can benefit RSI sufferers in many ways.
Most have been sitting in front of a computer for years. Their bodies have become tight and stiff, stress has battered the areas where computer use is concentrated, breathing has become shallow and irregular, and muscles and tendons have worked so hard to keep the body in this position that they have actually shortened. By practicing yoga over time, the body becomes more supple and capable of relaxing. On a physiological level, the yoga practitioner consciously and unconsciously learns how to decrease the stress in the mind and body and increase the ability to relax during daily life. The response of the nervous system directly affects proper breathing, daily exercise, calming the mind, and genuine relaxation.