There may be another reason to consider a regular yoga practice other than to increase flexibility, tone muscles and de-stress in general. The UK’s Telegraph (8/20, Alleyne) reported that, according to a study published in the Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine, yoga may help protect “the brain from depression.” During a 12-week study of “two groups of healthy individuals, half of whom walked for three hours each week, while the other half spent the same time doing yoga,” investigators utilized magnetic resonance imaging scans to measure the amino acid gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) levels in the participants. The researchers found that the levels of GABA “are much higher in those that carry out yoga than those do the equivalent of a similarly strenuous exercise, such as walking.” The Telegraph noted that “low GABA levels are associated with depression and other widespread anxiety disorders.”
Hope your Monday is a calm one! 🙂
Tracy Latz, M.D. (a.k.a. “The Shift Doctor”)
*Check out The Shift Doctors’ books at the Amazon link by clicking here and the Meditation CDs at the digstation link by clicking here
Tracy, thank you for your post. It’s so encouraging to hear positive and holistic advice coming from an M.D. ! I am proof positive that yoga, as well as Reiki and other energy modalities, work to heal our brains! With daily practices such as self-Reiki, yoga and meditation (which is really a huge part of the 8 limbs of yoga) I’ve been able to get off of what was supposed to be life-long disability for bipolar disorder, have been able to stop all medications and have been symptom free for more than 3 years. I have founded a non-profit organization which is working to empower others with the tools of self-Love so that they, too, can once again live happy and fulfilled lives.
Everytime I see a physician or psychiatrist who is open to these alternative methods of health and well-being, my hope builds for those who are still trapped in the pharmaceutical nightmare that is allowed and even encouraged in our society.
Blessings & thank you!
Joy Ayscue
Yoga May Help Protect Brain From Depression and Anxiety…
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Hi, Thanks alot for your post. You don’t know how this helped me.
Thanks ! Super Post !!
Well, d’oh. Of course. If I go to my yoga lesson in a bad mood, when it’s over I feel great. Srsl. But jokes apart, thanks for studying the effects of yoga, an ancient, complex and great discipline still overlooked by many. 🙂
Oh well this is really good to know! I am taking a 21 day yoga practice challenge and it is going really well. And, this information will be good to pass on to my clients. Thank you!
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