Yoga: Good for Body and Mind
I'm sure ancient Yogis in India would snicker at our attempts to validate through modern science what they've always known about yoga... that it's really good for our bodies and our minds.
Nevertheless... this recent study is interesting: Yoga can help keep depression and anxiety at bay
Synopsis: Researchers at Boston University School of Medicine (BUSM) and McLean Hospital have found that practicing yoga may elevate brain gamma-aminobutyric (GABA) levels, the brain's primary inhibitory neurotransmitter. The findings, which appear in the May issue of the Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine, suggest that the practice of yoga be explored as a possible treatment for depression and anxiety, disorders associated with low GABA levels.
Comments
When you think about it, it makes sense that Yoga supresses depression and anxiety. I think it's all about breathing. I read at Mind and Body Workout that Yogic breathing techniques, when combined with strengtyh training, actually reduces soreness in the muscels after a workout, and thus enhances muscle growth. It's all in the breathing.
Posted by: Chris | May 25, 2007 02:10 PM