Yoga offers effective solution at a time of stress and anxiety
Derived from the Sanskrit word “yuji,” meaning yoke or union, yoga is an ancient practice that brings together mind and body .It incorporates breathing exercises, meditation and poses designed to encourage relaxation and reduce stress.Practicing yoga is said to come with many benefits for both mental and physical health, though not all of these benefits have been backed by science.This article takes a look at 13 evidence-based benefits of yoga.
Benefits of Yoga That Are Supported by Science :
Can Decrease Stress :
Yoga is known for its ability to ease stress and promote relaxation.In fact, multiple studies have shown that it can decrease the secretion of cortisol, the primary stress hormone.One study demonstrated the powerful effect of yoga on stress by following 24 women who perceived themselves as emotionally distressed.After a three-month yoga program, the women had significantly lower levels of cortisol. They also had lower levels of stress, anxiety, fatigue and depression .Another study of 131 people had similar results, showing that 10 weeks of yoga helped reduce stress and anxiety. It also helped improve quality of life and mental health .When used alone or along with other methods of alleviating stress, such as meditation, yoga can be a powerful way to keep stress in check.
Relieves Anxiety :
Many people begin practicing yoga as a way to cope with feelings of anxiety.Interestingly enough, there is quite a bit of research showing that yoga can help reduce anxiety.In one study, 34 women diagnosed with an anxiety disorder participated in yoga classes twice weekly for two months.At the end of the study, those who practiced yoga had significantly lower levels of anxiety than the control group .Another study followed 64 women with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), which is characterized by severe anxiety and fear following exposure to a traumatic event.After 10 weeks, the women who practiced yoga once weekly had fewer symptoms of PTSD. In fact, 52% of participants no longer met the criteria for PTSD at all .It’s not entirely clear exactly how yoga is able to reduce symptoms of anxiety. However, it emphasizes the importance of being present in the moment and finding a sense of peace, which could help treat anxiety.
May Reduce Inflammation :
In addition to improving your mental health, some studies suggest that practicing yoga may reduce inflammation as well.Inflammation is a normal immune response, but chronic inflammation can contribute to the development of pro-inflammatory diseases, such as heart disease, diabetes and cancer .A 2015 study divided 218 participants into two groups: those who practiced yoga regularly and those who didn’t. Both groups then performed moderate and strenuous exercises to induce stress.At the end of the study, the individuals who practiced yoga had lower levels of inflammatory markers than those who didn’t.Similarly, a small 2014 study showed that 12 weeks of yoga reduced inflammatory markers in breast cancer survivors with persistent fatigue .Although more research is needed to confirm the beneficial effects of yoga on inflammation, these findings indicate that it may help protect against certain diseases caused by chronic inflammation.
Your vital organs, such as kidneys or liver, aren't the first thing on your mind when you begin your sun salutations, but a regular yoga practice greatly benefits your internal organs. Since yoga gets your blood pumping and emphasizes on deep breathing, it's good for your heart and lungs too.
Yoga has been found to improve quality of life, reduce stress, anxiety, insomnia, depression and back pain. It has also been found to lower heart rate and blood pressure. And, perhaps not surprisingly, yoga has been shown to improve fitness, strength and flexibility, according to the alternative medicine center.
Could Improve Heart Health :
From pumping blood throughout the body to supplying tissues with important nutrients, the health of your heart is an essential component of overall health.Studies show that yoga may help improve heart health and reduce several risk factors for heart disease.One study found that participants over 40 years of age who practiced yoga for five years had a lower blood pressure and pulse rate than those who didn’t .High blood pressure is one of the major causes of heart problems, such as heart attacks and stroke. Lowering your blood pressure can help reduce the risk of these problems .Some research also suggests that incorporating yoga into a healthy lifestyle could help slow the progression of heart disease.A study followed 113 patients with heart disease, looking at the effects of a lifestyle change that included one year of yoga training combined with dietary modifications and stress management.Participants saw a 23% decrease in total cholesterol and a 26% reduction in “bad” LDL cholesterol. Additionally, the progression of heart disease stopped in 47% of patients .It’s unclear how much of a role yoga may have had versus other factors like diet. Yet it can minimize stress, one of the major contributors to heart disease.
Improves Quality of Life :
Yoga is becoming increasingly common as an adjunct therapy to improve quality of life for many individuals.In one study, 135 seniors were assigned to either six months of yoga, walking or a control group. Practicing yoga significantly improved quality of life, as well as mood and fatigue, compared to the other groups.Other studies have looked at how yoga can improve quality of life and reduce symptoms in patients with cancer.One study followed women with breast cancer undergoing chemotherapy. Yoga decreased symptoms of chemotherapy, such as nausea and vomiting, while also improving overall quality of life .A similar study looked at how eight weeks of yoga affected women with breast cancer. At the end of the study, the women had less pain and fatigue with improvements in levels of invigoration, acceptance and relaxation .Other studies have found that yoga may help improve sleep quality, enhance spiritual well-being, improve social function and reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression in patients with cancer .
May Fight Depression :
Some studies show that yoga may have an anti-depressant effect and could help decrease symptoms of depression.This may be because yoga is able to decrease levels of cortisol, a stress hormone that influences levels of serotonin, the neurotransmitter often associated with depression .In one study, participants in an alcohol dependence program practiced Sudarshan Kriya, a specific type of yoga that focuses on rhythmic breathing.After two weeks, participants had fewer symptoms of depression and lower levels of cortisol. They also had lower levels of ACTH, a hormone responsible for stimulating the release of cortisol .Other studies have had similar results, showing an association between practicing yoga and decreased symptoms of depression .Based on these results, yoga may help fight depression, alone or in combination with traditional methods of treatment.
Although there's been a lot of research on the health effects of yoga, many studies have included only small numbers of people and haven't been of high quality. Therefore, in most instances, we can only say that yoga has shown promise for particular health uses, not that it's been proven to help.