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THE THIRD
METRIC
HUFFINGTON
01.12.14
rather than flow or sequences —
can improve cognitive function,
boosting focus and working memory. In a University of Illinois study,
participants performed significantly better on tests of brain functioning after yoga, as compared to their
performance after 20 minutes of
vigorous aerobic exercise.
LOWER STRESS LEVELS.
Yoga’s stress-busting powers may
come from its ability to lessen
the activity of proteins that are
known to play a role in inflammation, according to a 2012 study
from University of California, Los
Angeles, researchers.
AMANDA ROHDE/GETTY IMAGES
ALTER GENE EXPRESSION.
A small Norwegian study suggested
that yoga’s many healthy benefits
might come from its ability to alter
gene expression in immune cells.
AFTER A FEW MONTHS
LOWER BLOOD PRESSURE.
People with mild to moderate hypertension might benefit from a
yoga practice, as a University of
Pennsylvania study found that it
could help to lower their blood
pressure levels. Researchers found
that people who practiced yoga
had greater drops in blood pres-
Researchers at West
Virginia University found
Iyengar Yoga to be more
effective in reducing pain
and improving mood than
standard medical treatment
among those with chronic
lower back problems.”
sure compared with those who
participated in a walking/nutrition/weight counseling program.
IMPROVED LUNG CAPACITY.
A small 2000 Ball State University
study found that practicing Hatha
yoga for 15 weeks could significantly increase vital lung capacity,
which is the maximum amount
of air exhaled after taking a deep
breath. Vital lung capacity is one of
the components of lung capacity.