Yoga: Potential Benefits to the Nervous System

It’s no secret that regular exercise is good for you. But did you know that, according to one study, it could prove even better than Prozac? 

Yoga, which combines poses and meditation to tone the body and mind, may act as an antidepressant on top of its physical benefits. 

And aside from studies proving its physiological effects, there are many more anecdotal stories out there showcasing the benefits of this ancient practice.

Here are just a few reasons why yoga might be worth your while: 

It can potentially help ease chronic pain; increases flexibility; It reduces blood pressure; And it gives you time for some peace and quiet.

But it’s not just the physical exercise that makes yoga so worth practicing. 

The practice has also been shown to have a significant impact on your brain, helping to combat mood disorders and relieve depression as well as anxiety.

Here are some of yoga’s many effects on the nervous system:

Poets who have long been writing about “happy thoughts” and “rapture” would be hard-pressed to find another experience 

in the human spirit quite like that experienced in a state of deep meditation and altered states of consciousness—

for those simply experiencing this phenomenon, such an experience can be likened only to what one might feel experiencing an elevation of consciousness.

Deep Meditative 

Deep meditative states would appear to have an important role in achieving a maximal state of health and healing through the regulation of the mind–body system. 

Consciousness is an emergent property, so that one cannot simply reduce consciousness to its constituent parts, like neurons, glial cells, neurotransmitters, genes, or other biochemical mechanisms. 

Rather consciousness emerges from the interactions between these elements. 

These interactions are orchestrated in part by neural oscillations (electrical rhythms) ranging from delta to beta frequencies.

Meditation-induced altered states of consciousness can be described in terms of synchronous gamma wave activity and brain synchronization that can be quantified with electroencephalographic (EEG) measurements. 

Eighty-six of the ninety-six meditators studied synchronization with their own brain.

There are many other reports of the benefits of meditation and yoga in healing the nervous system, 

as well as providing relief to those suffering from chronic pain, depression and anxiety. How has yoga helped you? Let us know in the comments.

Yoga is good for you, but it’s also good for me. 

My name is Andre Bresse and I’m a former professional athlete turned primal enthusiast. 

I have seen the benefits of yoga in not only my own life but also in the lives of many people I know.

The post above is from a couple years ago, but since then 

I’ve had many more amazing experiences and learned a lot about the wonderful world of yoga (primarily at the amazing studio back in my hometown, Yoga Shanti !). 

To get more info on all things yoga, check out my main website at www.primalhealthproject.com/blog and my new blog dedicated to all things yoga at www.primalhealthproject.com/yoga . 

Also feel free to email me with any questions or feedback: [email protected] .

Yoga 

BUT, if you just want to read about why yoga is good for the nervous system, this article is for you! Here’s what I’ve read so far:

The following are some of the benefits of yoga on the nervous system, according to a university professor:

“Yoga affects the nervous system in a number of ways. One way is through stretching, which loosens up tight muscles. 

Yoga can also help to bring blood to those tight muscles so you get more oxygen and nutrients.” Over time, this would help balance blood pressure.

“There are two main types of yoga that can help with reducing stress: hatha yoga and vinyasa yoga. 

In hatha yoga, you hold poses longer and try to relax into the pose. 

With vinyasa yoga, you move more quickly from pose to pose with the breath.” 

“There are also a number of breathing techniques used in yoga that can help promote relaxation,” he said. 

“In addition, some meditative activities can help reduce stress and anxiety.”

“Yoga has been shown to improve strength and flexibility in muscles, tendons and ligaments. This can be especially helpful in preparing for sports injuries and rehabilitation after sports injuries or surgery.” Today Every

“Yoga combines stretching with postures (asanas), breathing (pranayama) and relaxation techniques to improve flexibility, increase strength and promote overall health. 

Yoga stretches and strengthens muscles, tendons and ligaments, increasing flexibility and assisting with recovery following injuries or surgery. 

The breathing techniques provide benefits to lung, heart and respiratory system health. The relaxation techniques are particularly helpful in reducing stress and anxiety.”

“Many studies show that yoga can reduce stress (stress hormones), increase strength, flexibility, endurance and improve posture. 

There are numerous yoga poses that are specifically designed to promote the functioning of the nervous system.”