Science finds Yoga Increase Brain chemicals!

The Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine Yoga Asana Sessions Increase Brain GABA Levels: A Pilot Study May 2007, Vol. 13, No. 4 : 419 -426 Chris C. Streeter, M.D. Division of Psychiatry, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, MA. McLean Hospital, Belmont, MA. Department of Psychiatry, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA. J. Eric Jensen, Ph.D. McLean Hospital, Belmont, MA. Department of Psychiatry, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA. Ruth M. Perlmutter, B.S. Division of Psychiatry, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, MA. Howard J. Cabral, Ph.D. Department of Biostatistics, Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, MA. Hua Tian, M.S. Division of Psychiatry, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, MA. Devin B. Terhune, M.Sc. Division of Psychiatry, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, MA. Domenic A. Ciraulo, M.D. Division of Psychiatry, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, MA. Department of Psychiatry, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA. Boston V.A. Healthcare System, Boston, MA. Perry F. Renshaw, M.D. Division of Psychiatry, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, MA. McLean Hospital, Belmont, MA. Department of Psychiatry, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA. Objectives: The aim of this study was to compare changes in brain γ-aminobutyric (GABA) levels associated with an acute yoga session versus a reading session. It was hypothesized that an individual yoga session would be associated with an increase in brain GABA levels. Design: This is a parallel-groups design. Settings/location: Screenings, scan acquisitions, and interventions took place at medical school–affiliated centers. Subjects: The sample comprised 8 yoga practitioners and 11 comparison subjects. Interventions: Yoga practitioners completed a 60-minute yoga session and comparison subjects completed a 60-minute reading session. Outcome measures: GABA-to-creatine ratios were measured in a 2-cm axial slab using magnetic resonance spectroscopic imaging immediately prior to and immediately after interventions. Results: There was a 27% increase in GABA levels in the yoga practitioner group after the yoga session (0.20 mmol/kg) but no change in the comparison subject group after the reading session ( −0.001 mmol/kg) (t = −2.99, df = 7.87, p = 0.018). Conclusions:These findings demonstrate that in experienced yoga practitioners, brain GABA levels increase after a session of yoga. This suggests that the practice of yoga should be explored as a treatment for disorders with low GABA levels such as depression and anxiety disorders. Future studies should compare yoga to other forms of exercise to help determine whether yoga or exercise alone can alter GABA levels. Full Text PDF: •  For printing •  With links •  Help with PDFs •  Add to favorites •  E-mail to a colleague •  Reprints & Permissions •  Track citations •  Download metadata •  TOC Alert •  Citation Alert     What is RSS? •  Most read papers •  Most cited papers •  PubMed citation •  Related papers in: Liebert Online, PubMed Search: Liebert OnlinePubMedCrossRef for Authors: Chris C. Streeter J. Eric Jensen Ruth M. Perlmutter Howard J. Cabral Hua Tian Devin B. Terhune Domenic A. Ciraulo Perry F. Renshaw Keyword: Advanced Search

Summer Solstice coming up!

So my bestest friend Melissa reminded me that the summer solstice is coming up and asked if I had anything planned. I had completely forgotten, but what a great opportunity to celebrate in our new home! In trying to come up with ideas of things to do, I found online that NY Times Square is having a Yoga Fest celebration to celebrate the Solstice. So cool...........Yet ANOTHER reason I really wanna live in NYC!

Meanwhile, DC doesn't seem to be doing anything............that is until our house comes up with a plan. :)

WHAT: A celebration of sun, summer and creativity on the longest day of the year, marking the start of summer.

WHEN: Thursday, June 21 and Sunday, June 24, 2007

WHERE: In Times Square, on the island at the intersection of Broadway and 7th Avenue between 43rd and 44th Streets

http://www.timessquarenyc.org/about_us/events_solstice.html