Are you constantly stressed? Yoga is the solution

Are you constantly stressed? Yoga is the solution

Stress is a problem that most people face today. The excruciating hours and lifestyle in the big city have turned stress into a modern epidemic.

Worst of all is that stress does not just affect our psychology but is responsible for dozens of illnesses, both psychiatric and physical. The immune system, heart and mind are the first to be affected.

The mechanism of creating stress

Stress is a mechanism for protecting the body against threats. Essential is a natural "alarm" that alerts us to a danger by releasing the corresponding hormones (adrenaline, cortisol, etc.) to prepare the various organs of the body to avoid or counteract this risk.

Stress increases blood pressure and heart rate, slows down the digestive system and reduces the function of the immune system so that our body can respond to this threat.

But when this mechanism is constantly in motion, our body is constantly working on "red". Imagine this process as a constantly running machine. It would soon crush!

It's all about harmony…

The benefits of yoga in the fight against anxiety are beyond question. It is a matter of common sense to understand that whatever calms us down, combats stress.

The exercises that yoga involves, like any physical exercise, help our body eliminate stress and anxiety. But yoga is much more than just meditation and breathing exercises.

Breathing and movement synchronization brings the body and mind to a state of complete relaxation, while meditation helps control the mind.

 

Scientific research confirming the benefits of yoga

The positive effects of yoga on anxiety and other disorders such as depression have been confirmed by many studies.

A study done by the Boston University School of Medicine concluded that yoga raises levels of gamma-aminobutyric acid in the body. This amino acid, known in the literature as GABA, constitutes the major inhibitory neurotransmitter in the brain. GABA competence is a natural "brake" to the body's constant over-stimulation.

There are various yoga programs, as well as related types, that are adapted to reduce stress and other psychological disorders.

For example, the Sudarshan Kriya Yoga (SKY) program for people with depression combines different types of circular breathing, from slow to calm breathing to the most intense.

Indeed, a study by the National Institute of Mental Health of India compared the effects of SKY, electrospasm therapy (imaging therapy) and imipramine antidepressants in treating depression. After four weeks of treatment, 93% of patients receiving electrospasmotherapy, 73% of patients receiving imipramine, and 67% of patients using respiratory techniques achieved remission.

Another study done by the Boston University School of Medicine found that yoga types that use slower movements (eg, Iyengar yoga) can improve the symptoms of anxiety and depression. The improvement was noticeable both after each lesson and at the end of the quarterly study.

 

Find the one that suits you

The scientific studies showing the benefits of yoga in stress management are actually hundreds. There are also numerous specialized researches focusing on the beneficial properties of the various types of yoga.

However, the purpose of the article is not to present a barrage of such scientific research, but to show that yoga and its techniques can help with stress.

Of course, it is up to you to find the type of yoga or class that suits you. If you still want, you can take advantage of yoga in combination with other treatments to reduce anxiety or other disorders.

 

Bibliography:

Tammy M. Scott, Patricia L. Gerbarg et al, (2019), Phycological Function, Iyengar Yoga, and Coherent Breathing, Journal of Psychiatric Practice, Vol 25.

CC Streeter, Th Whitfield et al, (2010), Effects of Yoga versus Walking on Mood, Anxiety, and Brain GABA levels: a randomized controlled MRS study, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20722471.

N. Janakiramaiah, BN Gangadhar et at, (2000), Antidepressant efficacy of Sudarshan Kriya Yoga (SKY) in melancholia: a randomized comparison with electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) and imipramine, US National Library Of Medicine. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/10708840

 

By Dr Angel,

Αggeliki Koskeridou

Holistic Doctor – Counseling Psychotherapist

Doctor of Naturopathic Medicine

MSc Health Psychology

www.AggelikiKoskeridou.com

insta: dr_aggelikikoskeridou_official 

 

 

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