llolio, and Schonecke (1994) measured heart rate, blood pressure, cortisol, prolactin and growth hormone and certain psychological criteria in a yoga group and a control group of young female subjects. Significant differences were found in psychological parameters. The yoga group showed markedly higher scores in life satisfaction, increased mood and coping with stress. In another study, Wood (1993) tested the effects of a 30 minute program of yogic breathing and stretch (pranayama) with a group of 71 normal subjects on perceptions of physical and mental energy and on positive and negative mood states. Pranayama produced a significant positive effect on the subject’s mood states and increased their perceptions of mental and physical energy and feelings of alertness and enthusiasm. Conclusion As you can see, western science has been studying Yoga for nearly 80 years, and the evidence shows numerous physical and psychological benefits from Yoga. Interestingly, there seems to be something about Yoga -- vs. exercise and controlled breathing -- that is beneficial. yoga is not about self-absorption. Yoga is about being in the world, although most books, videos and websites focus on yoga postures, breathing and meditation, the tradition also emphasizes love, compassion, knowledge and right action as paths toward union. Whether you pursue yoga as a spiritual path or for its psycho-physiological benefits, yoga is a methodology for developing a deeper experience of your self and the world. ...
