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Research: FIELD, Touch Research Institute,
Listed in Issue 211
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.