Yoga at Home: Yoga Proves More Effective Than Walking to Alleviate Depression

 

This past week I learned the exciting results of a recent medical study comparing yoga with walking to change moods and alleviate disorders such as anxiety and depression.  On occasion, I wake up in a funk, feeling down for no obvious reason.  Although often, if I think carefully, I can usually pinpoint the catalyst for my emotional descent.  Fortunately, I have found that when I practice yoga, the negative mood almost always dissipates rapidly.

The study I just heard about a few days ago, conducted by Dr. Chris Streeter of the BU School of Medicine and medical researchers from McLean Hospital, revealed that the practice of yoga was more effective than walking in helping to allevaite depression in a group of test subjects.  A twelve week experiment was done in which participants either practiced yoga for an hour 3 times or week or walked for an hour 3 times a week.  At the end of the study, the particpants were given MRIs to measure their brain activity and particularly to examine their "GABA" levels.  GABA stands for "Gamma-aminobuytric acid," a neurotransmitter that hepls induce relaxation and sleep as well as manage stress."  Prescription drugs such as valium and prozac help raise GABA levels.

The study found that participants who did yoga for the 12 week period had higher levels of GABA and as a result, enjoyed better moods and a dissipation of anxiety and stress.  Dr. Chris Street believes that the results of the study may suggest include yoga as an adjunct to medical treatment of depression, anxiety, and other mood disorders.

I was was pleasantly surprised to learn about yoga's superior benefits to walking for elevating one's mood because brisk walking helps me feel invigorated leading feeling better emotionally and physically.  But, once again, new revelations about yoga indicate that its benefits exceed mere stretching... ''

Below is a brief interview with Dr. Streeter so that you can listen to the evidence yourself!

Yours for keeping your spirits up with yoga!

Laura Venecia Rodriguez

 

 

Comments

[Treatment of brain cancer]

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[Laura Rodriguez]

I appreciate your feedback!