The innumerable benefits of yoga may be enjoyed by individuals practicing it on a daily basis. A recent research asserts that yoga increases levels of the brain chemical GABA for improving mood and declining anxiety level. The positive effects of yoga are apparently greater than walking and other forms of exercise. Gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) is known to be a brain chemical essential for controlling nerve activity.
People suffering from mood and anxiety disorders may have decreased GABA activity. Many a times, medications enhancing GABA activity are recommended for promoting mood and reducing anxiety. Chris Streeter, MD, from Boston University School of Medicine (Massachusetts) and colleagues measured heightened GABA levels after a session of yoga postures. It was concluded that elevation in GABA levels may be related to improved mood and decreased anxiety.
While performing yoga certain regions of the brain may be stimulated, further altering endogenous antidepressant neurotransmitters like GABA. Additional investigations will be conducted for affirming the sustainability of these changes. Also such modifications in the brain chemical can presumably treat depression.
The research is published online and in The Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine.