Yoga and Stress
Stress affects functions in all parts of the body. In particular, hormones can be vulnerable to the damaging influences of chronic stress. The adrenal glands are the first line of defense against stress (the “fight or flight” response), and can be fatigued with constant demand. You will experience high and then eventually very low levels of cortisol and DHEA. When this occurs, other hormones may also be thrown off balance, creating their own set of symptoms and problems. You have to manage your stress if you want to remain healthy.
Yoga is relaxing and can create energy needed for reducing stress. It involves an awareness of slow, controlled breathing and stretching and posing the muscles of the body.
A study conducted by the Center for Integrative Medicine of Thomas Jefferson University showed that a one hour session of yoga lowered cortisol in participants with no previous yoga experience, and after seven consecutive days, a significant decrease was seen.
A recent report in the Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine states thatpracticing yoga may boost a neurotransmitter associated with anxiety and depression.
Researchers at Boston University School Of Medicine and McLean Hospital followed eight people who practiced yoga regularly, using MRS (magnetic resonance spectroscopic imaging) to measure gamma-aminobutyric acid, or GABA, in their brains. GABA is a chemical messenger (the most prevalent one in the brain) whose function is to reduce the activity of the neurons to which it binds. That is, it inhibits over-excitation. After an hour of yoga, a 27 percent increase in GABA levels was found. Eleven control subjects who had read for an hour showed no increase.
Practicing yoga can be a very important part of your physical stress recovery plan. It is inexpensive, easy to do, and is not “stressful” on your body. It will reduce stress hormones, relax your mind, and de-stress your body. Try yoga for your health.
Dr Peter Lind is a practicing chiropractor utilizing newly developed procedures and protocols to remove the affects of stress on the body. He continues helping hundreds of people on his website http://www.stress-less-living.com
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