New Study Finds New Connection Between Yoga and Mood

http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/08/100819112124.htm


http://ezinearticles.com/?The-Benefit-of-Yoga&id=27952
                According to this article, “researchers have found that yoga may be superior to other forms of exercise in its positive effect on mood and anxiety.” Research results show an association between yoga postures, increased GABA levels, and decreased anxiety. GABA levels are said to be associated with depression and other widespread anxiety disorders. In order to test that yoga may be superior to other forms of exercise, researchers decided to follow two groups, which they picked randomly consisting of healthy individuals, over a 12-week period. One group practiced yoga three times a week for an hour, while the other group walked for the same period of time. Using magnetic resonance spectroscopic imaging, each individual’s brain was scanned before the study begins. At the end of the 12 week, the researchers compared the GABA levels before and after their final 60-minute session of both groups. Each individual was also asked to judge his or her psychological state throughout the study. The researchers concluded that those people who practiced yoga reported a more significant reduction in anxiety and a greater improvement in their mood than those people who walked. After this study, researchers suggest that practicing yoga can be considered as a potential therapy for certain mental disorders.


                This article relates to science/biology concepts since it's about psychology and talks about how yoga can have a more positive effect on mood and anxiety than any other forms of exercise. A major benefit of yoga is physical. It helps to improve your flexibility and balance, reduce pain, tone your muscles, increase your energy level, and promote a sense of relaxation. Another major benefit of yoga is mental. It clears your mind off everything and helps you focus your attention. It also helps reduce stress, release stuck emotions, and gain a sense of peace and tranquility. All of these beneficial factors are healthy for your body and mind because it promotes your health through physical and mental exercise and deep relaxation.

                This information was put in the newspaper because we care about our health and want to know new ways that can help us exercise physically and mentally. Yoga is the perfect choice because it has so many beneficial factors for your body and mind that can help improve your health. Yoga also teaches you the practice of breathing, which is very beneficial for improving sports performance and reducing allergy and asthma symptoms. This article is basically encouraging people to take yoga and experience it themselves.