From Depression to Hypertension, Yoga Benefits Overall Health

Posted February 29, 2016 by Acupuncture & Massage College & filed under Holistic Medicine

yoga_benefitsMany people realize the yoga benefits of spiritual awareness. Yoga is used as a form of complementary and alternative medicine in treating health disorders, such as diabetes mellitus, hypertension, atherosclerosis, and neuropsychiatric disorders.

However, yoga still faces challenges to being accepted by the conventional medical community. Because of this, research is being done on the neurobiological effects of certain yoga practices on healthy subjects.

One study reported that OM chanting, a technique used in some yoga practices, deactivated certain limbic areas of the brain. Patients with anxiety and depression have shown increased activation in these same areas.

Another study showed positive biological results using the Sudarshan Kriya form of yoga as a sole form of treatment for depression. The amplitude of brain electrical potential elicited by neutral stimuli increased over three months and reached that of healthy subjects. Plasma cortisol levels, which can indicate stress or illness, were lower in those receiving yoga therapy, paralleling a reduction in depressive symptoms.

There are many yoga benefits, including:

  • Increased range of motion
  • Improved muscle tone
  • Improved upper body strength
  • Increased core strength

Acupuncture & Massage College’s Community Clinic offers acupuncture, massage therapy, and herbal medicine for the treatment of a wide range of health conditions as well as for overall wellness. To schedule an appointment call (305) 595-9500. For information about AMC’s Oriental Medicine and Massage Therapy programs ask for Joe Calareso, Admissions Director.

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