More evidence that yoga helps ward off the blues. A new study concludes that Yoga may significantly help those experiencing anxiety and depression. The study reported in the May issue of the Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine was performed by Boston scientists who used MRIs to gauge levels of GABA in the brains of both yoga practitioners and non-practitioners.
A new study concludes that Yoga may significantly help those experiencing anxiety and depression. The study reported in the May issue of the Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine was performed by Boston scientists who used MRIs to gauge levels of GABA in the brains of both yoga practitioners and non-practitioners.
Brain scans of yoga practitioners who participated in the study showed an average of a 27% increase in levels of the neurotransmitter gamma-aminobutyric (GABA) immediately after a one-hour yoga session. Low levels of GABA are associated with anxiety and depression.
According to researchers, this is the first study to show that yoga may correlate with a significant change in the level of a major neurotransmitter. If substantiated, yoga could become a useful tool to help those battling anxiety disorder and depression.
Brain scans were taken before the beginning of the experiment. Then, the yoga group was asked to engage in the meditative practice for 60 minutes, while the non-yoga group simply read.
