Meditation and Yoga can ‘Reverse’ DNA Reactions Causing Stress
YSN Vol. 6, No. 1 (Feb 2018)
[from ScienceDaily (orginally published 06/17)]
A recent study published by Coventry University (June 2017) indicates that mind-body interventions (MBIs), such as meditation, yoga and Tai Chi do not simply relax us; they can ‘reverse’ the molecular reactions in our DNA which cause ill-health and depression.
Go to <www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2017/06/170615213301.htm>
for the full article about this study published in ScienceDaily.
The “Lost” Teachings of Yoga
YSN Vol. 5, No. 1 (May 2017)
[from Yoga International (originally published 10/02)]
“The ‘lost’ teachings of yoga, the profound wisdom that has all but vanished in the West, are not, of course, really lost. But we are rapidly losing sight of them. Yoga cannot be effective, however, unless we apply it in our own lives, and to do that we must be able to draw on its traditional teachings.”
How to Stave Off Age-Related Cognitive Decline
YSN Vol. 5, No. 1 (May 2017)
[from B. Grace Bullock, Ph.D., e-Newsletter (6/28/16)]
People with mild cognitive impairment are two-and-a-half times more likely to develop dementia including Alzheimer’s Disease. Recently, a study published in the Journal of Alzheimer’s Disease showed that older adults participating in a yoga program consisting of one hour of Kundalini yoga per week, and 20 minutes of Kirtan Kriya meditation per day for 12 weeks outperformed a control group who received 12 weeks of memory training.
Read more at: https://www.gracebullock.com/post/yoga-meditation-may-keep-your-brain-sharp
Yoga Linked to Cure for Depression
YSN Vol. 4, No. 3 (Dec. 2016)
[from “Yoga Linked to Cure for Depression,” NatureIndia (11/25/16)]
A University of Pennsylvania study indicates that Sudarshan Kriya yoga, a breathing-based meditation technique, might help alleviate severe depression in people who do not fully respond to antidepressant treatments. The pilot study involved 25 patients suffering from Major Depressive Disorder (MDD), who were depressed despite antidepressant medication. After two months of practicing yoga, “significant improvement” was found in symptoms of depression and anxiety in medicated patients compared to a control group under medication but who did not practice the yoga, suggesting the potential of Sudarshan Kriya as an add-on intervention for MDD patients who have not responded to antidepressants.
Read more at: http://www.natureasia.com/en/nindia/article/10.1038/nindia.2016.156?WT.ec_id=NINDIA-20161201.
Yoga Transforms 86-Year-Old Who Once had Crippling Back Problems
YSN Vol. 4, No. 3 (Dec. 2016)
[from “86-year-old Makes Amazing Transformation with Yoga,” YogaDork News (09/08/16)]
Anna Pesce’s Transformation Through Yoga Practice! Photo Credit: Stephen Yang
The temporary relief provided by acupuncture, a physical therapist, and seeing a chiropractor was only a frustration, as the pain of a herniated disc, scoliosis, and osteoporosis would soon return. It wasn’t until Anna Pesce began daily yoga practice — at age 86 — that she began to transform!
Now, Pesce practices yoga daily, with the help of props for some poses, such as a sling for a supported down dog, and incorporating pranayama. “My mom is a lot more independent, and even how she carries herself – she just seems a lot happier and brighter now,” says Pesce’s daughter of this phenomenal change. See more about this at https://nypost.com/2016/08/08/this-85-year-old-proves-yoga-can-keep-you-young/.
Centenarian Credits Iyengar Yoga With Helping Her Live Longer
YSN Vol. 4, No. 2 (Apr. 2016)
[from “This 100-Year-Old Yogi Tried Her First Yoga Class at Age 67: And She’s an Inspiration!,” YogaDork News (02/24/16)]
With over 30 years of yoga practice, new centenarian Jean Dawson is still going strong!
Photo credit: Lorne Campbell/Guzelian
Jean Dawson celebrated her 100th birthday on February 20, 2016, and she is all hale and hearty, crediting the Iyengar yoga that she’s been doing for the past 30 years! Dawson started practicing yoga at age 67 and since then, it has helped her with posture, balance, concentration, flexibility, and stamina. While talking with Metro UK, the British native said she practices the prop-intensive, static-pose-holding Iyengar Yoga. “It has really changed my life and has helped cure aches and pains. I used to have trouble from a slipped disc in my back but doing yoga really helped me cope with it,” she said.