Stepping on the yoga mat often relives stress and body aches, but what causes the high? Yoganonymous was able to come up with the rationale behind "yoga high".
As per Sarah smith, who is a medical student and a registered yoga teacher, the happy hormones are often induced by the increasing activity of the neurotransmitters on the brain. It is being during the deep breathing/ meditation. As per Smith, the breathing techniques are associated with the stimulation of the "vagas nerve" (which is a beneficial component in the parasympathetic nervous system). This has the same rationale as breathing deeply when stressed can make an individual feel better.
"Much of it comes back to the chemical signalling pathways in the brain. In particular, some of the research has indicated γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA), a neurotransmitter in the central nervous system, as a potential player. Levels of GABA tend to be low in people who suffer from anxiety and depression. GABA may even be behind some of the mood swings women experience before their period as well since these levels tend to be low in the premenstrual phase."
Yoga have been making a name both in spiritual and physical health as it relax not only the body, but also the mind. As per Everyday Health, yoga does have numerous benefits. As per the founder of YogaSource Los Gatos in California, Linda Schlamadinger McGrath:
"On a physical level, yoga helps improve flexibility, strength, balance, and endurance. On an energetic level, yoga teaches you how to cope better with stress by cultivating a sense of ease in both active and passive poses. On a psychological level, yoga helps to cultivate mindfulness by shifting your awareness to the sensations, thoughts, and emotions that accompany a given pose or exercise."
Not only that, it also plays an important role on the emotional boost. One study from Duke University Medical Center, yoga helps those suffering from depression, schizophrenia, and even sleep problems.
