A recent study by the Boston University School of Medicine has found that the ancient Indian discipline of yoga has a positive effect on mood, with significant increases in the levels of neurotransmitters associated with an enhanced disposition. Though many yoga practitioners and enthusiasts will concur with the findings of the study, this is the first research to confirm the link between the therapy and levels of GABA chemicals in the brain.
What is GABA?
GABA, or gamma-aminobutyric acid, is one of many neurotransmitters that facilitate communication within the brain. Lower levels of GABA are associated with stress, anxiety and depression in individuals, while raised levels are linked with a calmer, relaxed disposition.
The Study
The study contrasted the GABA levels of two groups of healthy individuals for 12 weeks, with one group practicing yoga while the other walked. Both groups exercised three times a week for one hour, after which their brains were scanned using magnetic resonance imaging. This enabled the researchers to track the GABA levels of both participants, before and after their activities.
The Results
The yoga group reported a more discernable improvement in mood, with a corresponding decrease in anxiety, as compared to the walking group. The researchers hope that the study will prompt more research into the effects of yoga on mood, with the potential for the discipline to be used more extensively to treat stress, anxiety and other related mental disorders.
Originally published on Oct 12, 2010
