Yoga Reduces Stress From Anxiety and Depression

By Joelle Van Over, C-IAYT

Beloved Yoga

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Yoga Reduces Stress From Anxiety and Depression

Those who practice yoga are aware that a regular yoga practice brings greater strength and balance to the body any body. Students of yoga also know that their practice brings a sense of calmness and well-being. A number of research studies have documented the benefits of practicing yoga in managing anxiety and depression. The question that has received more recent attention is why is this so.

The answer is the impact of a yoga practice on the brain. Anxiety and depression (and epilepsy) are associated with lower levels of y-aminobutyric acid (GABA) in the brain. A pilot study in 2007 compared GABA levels in regular yoga practitioners after a 60 minute asana (physical) yoga practice with a comparison group of non-yoga practitioners who read periodicals or fiction of their choice for 60 minutes. Following the one hour period of asana practice or reading, magnetic resonance spectroscopic imaging (MRSI) of the brains of each subject revealed a 27% increase in GABA levels in the brain of those who participated in the asana practice. This pilot study suggested that yoga might be beneficial as part of treatment regimes to reduce anxiety and depression.

A more rigorous 2010 study confirmed the beneficial effects of a yoga practice in increasing GABA levels and improving mood and anxiety. In this 12 week study, one group was provided a 60 minute asana practice three times per week and the other group used a walking routine for 60 minutes three times per week. A self-reporting mood scale was used to determine impact on measures of positive engagement, revitalization, and tranquility and a separate anxiety scale was used to measure anxiety. GABA levels were measured using MRSI of the brains of each subject. At the conclusion of the study, the data showed that the yoga intervention resulted in greater improvement in mood and decreased anxiety, as well as a 13% increase in GABA levels over the walking intervention.

In summation, there is little doubt that a regular yoga practice offers positive benefits on many levels, and that these benefits increase over time.