Yoga

Yoga

Psychology Paper- Yoga

In the article “Yoga as a Practice Tool” there are many insightful theories and ideas that I learned. One of them was that yoga can influence the brain. In the article it states that yoga can raise levels of the neurotransmitter gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA). The raising of GABA levels can counteract anxiety and other disorders. Another thing was that there are social benefits from yoga. Synchronized activity with a group of people, especially breathing and moving at the same time can increase cooperation and collectivism among the members. This sense of collectivism can help these people feel like they’re a part of something bigger and give them a positive sense of belonging. The last thing I learned from this article was that yoga may be a better way of treatment for trauma survivors than some forms of psychotherapy. The movements of yoga allows them to free their bodies and become more aware of their senses.
One of the concepts related to the findings from above has to do with neurotransmitters. Your ability to perceive, feel, think, move, act, and react depends on the delicate balance of neurotransmitters. Gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) is a neurotransmitter found primarily in the brain. This neurotransmitter helps to regulate excitation in the brain. Alcohol and antianxiety medications such as Xanax help reduce brain activity and in turn anxiety be increasing GABA activity. Yoga in the same sense also raises GABA activity but in a much more health friendly and safe way. Another concept brought up in the article is group therapy. Group therapy allows the person to interact with others and gain support and encouragement from the group. The group members can help give advice and also serve as models for others. In the same way, yoga is also a form of group therapy and this therapy brings with it social benefits. Through doing these actions together and giving support and advice it shows the patients how to work together, like a...

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