Yoga isn’t just a fitness fad, the technique is also known for releasing stress. Researchers now understand why Yoga has so many soothing powers. The study shows how the body reacts to Yoga, easing tension in muscles and relieving inflammation.
The unsung hero’s
To conduct the study, Dr. Helen Lavretsky, senior author and a professor of psychiatry at the UCLA Semel Institute for Neuroscience and Human Behavior, had caregivers practice Yoga for 12 minutes everyday for eight weeks. These caregivers were looking after family members with Alzheimer’s.
Caregivers are often the unsung hero’s in many families. They have a large responsibility, which can take a toll. Caregivers are often at higher risk of stress related health problems, including depression.
“We know that chronic stress places caregivers at a higher risk for developing depression,” she said “On average, the incidence and prevalence of clinical depression in family dementia caregivers approaches 50 percent. Caregivers are also twice as likely to report high levels of emotional distress.”
Currently, at least five million Americans provide care for someone with dementia.
After Yoga
When caregivers practiced Yoga, a unique difference in their stress level was noted. Plus, researchers were able to explore the reaction the exercise had in the body.
“The goal of the study was to determine if meditation might alter the activity of inflammatory and antiviral proteins that shape immune cell gene expression,” said Lavretsky. “Our analysis showed a reduced activity of those proteins linked directly to increased inflammation.
“This is encouraging news. Caregivers often don’t have the time, energy, or contacts that could bring them a little relief from the stress of taking care of a loved one with dementia, so practicing a brief form of yogic meditation, which is easy to learn, is a useful too.”
The findings of this study were published in Psychoneuroendocrinology.
