Positive Health Online

Abstract

FIELD, Touch Research Institute, University of Miami School of Medicine, Miami, FL, USA. tfield@med.miami.edu  reviews research regarding the effects of yoga upon psychological conditions including anxiety and depression, on pain syndromes, cardiovascular, autoimmune and immune conditions and on pregnancy.

Background

In this paper recent research is reviewed on the effects of yoga poses on psychological conditions including anxiety and depression, on pain syndromes, cardiovascular, autoimmune and immune conditions and on pregnancy.

Methodology

The physiological effects of yoga including decreased heart rate and blood pressure and the physical effects including weight loss and increased muscle strength are reviewed.

Results

Potential underlying mechanisms are proposed including the stimulation of pressure receptors leading to enhanced vagal activity and reduced cortisol.

Conclusion

The reduction in cortisol, in turn, may contribute to positive effects such as enhanced immune function and a lower prematurity rate.

References

Field T. Yoga clinical research review. [Review] Complementary Therapies in Clinical Practice. 17(1): 1-8. Feb 2011.