Yoga As Treatment

By Sabrina Harmony Sims, BSc (psych), RYT

With the high levels of obesity, depression, anxiety, and a variety of other diseases that now plague our planet, we are seeing a great deal of public interest surrounding exercise. Exercise is no longer viewed as a superficial passtime, with appearances as the only benefit to physical fitness. Numerous studies show improvements in physical, emotional and cognitive health, and a reduction in pain, depression and anxiety as a result of physical activity.

Exercise appears to promote an internal locus of control – or the notion that we have a direct affect on our circumstances – possibly aided by the release of endorphins. A study by Kerr, et. al (2002) examined how participation in sports activities affected changes in emotion and stress. Interestingly, there were no significant differences in groups participating in hedonistic (pleasure-oriented) sports activity versus goal-oriented sports. In fact, all participants showed a significant decrease in negative emotions and perceived stress levels.

Results of a 12-week study using an exercise schedule by Van de Vliet, et. al (2003) show that depressive symptoms for those with mood disorders eased considerably, while wellbeing and empowerment improved.  Another study by Armstrong & Edwards (2003) evaluated how exercise affects mothers who suffer from Post-Natal Depression (PND). Symptoms of PND significantly diminished with the study’s prescribed 12-week exercise regimen which incorporated a moderate-intensity walking program three times a week.

Exercise helps improve cognitive functioning in patients who suffer mild to moderate dementia, according to a study by Van de Winkel, et. al (2004). Improved brain functioning for 25 females suffering from dementia and/or Alzheimer’s disease was found after they engaged in 30-minute music-based exercises daily for three months. Most of the participants were aged 81- 83 and wheel-chair bound.

Studies have shown that exercise helps people suffering from chronic headaches. One  study consisted of 18 group-supervised sessions with an exercise therapist, two group lectures with a registered psychologist, one group lecture with a dietician and two massage therapy sessions. A follow-up survey conducted after the six-week intervention reported that the majority of participants reported improvement in quality of life as well as a decrease in pain and frequency of migraines. By priority, the participants noted that, out of all the treatment they had undergone, supervised group exercise was of the highest value to them.

Yoga and Wellbeing

Although there appear to be only a hand–full of studies specifically relating yoga to psychological wellbeing, one of them, authored by Brown & Gerbarg (2005), suggests that yogic techniques can be considered as an adjunctive treatment in emergency response planning. Yoga has historically been found to enhance wellbeing, mood, and stress tolerance.  A study by West, et.al (2004) shows a correlation of increased perceived wellbeing and decreased cortisol after just one 90-minute yoga class. Another study by Netz & Lidor (2003) showed enhanced mood benefits of students taking yoga classes compared to those taking aerobics classes.

Exercise is a viable way to address a wide variety of health concerns in our culture, especially in light of the high rate of effectiveness, accessibility and low cost of exercise intervention. Because of my own experiences with my students and for myself, I know that the relationship between yoga and wellbeing is extremely valuable, and I plan to continue the practice.    ~Namaste~