| Yoga and Psychology |
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Last month we looked at the fitness benefits of yoga. This month we review studies that have looked at the psychological benefits of yoga. The psychological effects include increased self-efficacy (self belief), coping, social support, and positive mood. We’ve summarised some of the key studies in this area. A group of 194 participants enrolled in a 3 month community-based yoga programme, showed big improvements on depression, anxiety and self-efficacy (Lee et al., 2004). Several studies have shown that yoga practice improves coping for patients with irritable bowel syndrome (Kuttner et al., 2006) and headaches (Kaliappan, 1992). A recent study found reduced depression, anger, anxiety, and neurotic symptoms in 17 patients with unipolar major depression in partial remission who completed an Iyengar Yoga intervention (Shapiro, 2007) Yoga classes have been associated with social benefits in a range of folks, including a multiethnic group of breast cancer survivors (Moadel et al., 2007), general cancer patients (DiStasio, 2008), and osteoarthritis of the knees (Kolasinski et al., 2005). Yoga is a great way for people with common illnesses and injuries to socialise! We found eight key studies that looked at the effect of yoga on clinical anxiety disorders. All reported improvements with yoga (Pilkington et al., 2005). Yoga seems helps individuals with mild depressive symptoms and anxiety right through to clinical levels. Downward dog your blues away! A recent study found a 27% increase in the neurotransmitter (brain chemical) GABA in a group of 8 yoga practitioners (Streeter et al., 2007). Low levels of GABA have been linked to mood disorders. Yoga appears to improve the feel good chemicals in your brain. So in conclusion, yoga improves your psychology. It improves coping strategies in anxious or unwell folks. It also improves mood and depression and is great for groups and socialising.Please share this information with fellow teachers and students. |