What was first seen as an innovative way to stay in shape has some medical researchers wondering if there could be added health benefits to yoga.

The practice of stretching the body out in various poses and breathing in is currently being utilized for a variety of conditions and illnesses, the Seattle Times reports.

Researchers at the University of North Carolina Hospitals are investigating the benefits of yoga for people suffering from irritable bowel syndrome, according to the article. At Duke University, it was found the exercise routine yielded "significant improvements" in sleep and energy levels with women in the early stages of breast cancer.

And there’s more.

Past studies have shown yoga can assist people with hypertension, lower cholesterol and increase energy levels.

"There’s been an explosion of data using yoga as a treatment option. It shows so much promise," Dr Shelley Wroth, an obstetrician and a yoga teacher, told the Times.

Yoga positions such as the Warrior and Downward Facing Dog help with flexibility and massage various organs inside the body.

The popularity for yoga appears to be increasing. The exercise is featured on Nintendo’s best-selling Wii Fit game, which many are projecting to be out of stock for holiday shoppers.