More than 5000 years of Eastern scientific traditions have shown that the practice of yoga can improve the muscular, skeletal, physiological, respiratory, cardiovascular, endocrine, and central nervous systems of the body. Yoga provides the means to become physically fit in the context of a philosophy that encourages positive health practices and personality characteristics. Contemporary research studies on the beneficial effects of Iyengar Yoga confirm change in self-awareness and perspective especially for long term practitioners. Heart rate, blood pressure, and perceived level of exertion are higher during the practice of Iyengar Yoga standing postures than during walking. Iyengar yoga provides pain relief and improved grip strength in individuals with carpel tunnel syndrome. An Iyengar Yoga based regimen for osteoarthritis of the hands reduced pain and tenderness in the hands and increased range of motion in the fingers. Iyengar Yoga has beneficial effects on chronic low back pain, depression, and helps alleviate symptoms from breast cancer treatment.