Bikram Yoga for Stress
By Gail, 29 July, 2010
Over 50 years ago Bikrams guru Bishnu Ghosh said that “mental stress and strain is the cause of al diseases even infectious ones.” Why? Because stress compromises the immune system. Recently western science has confirmed the destructive role or cortisol, a stress hormone, in chronic illness. Diabetes, obesity, hypertension, depression, migraines and chronic pain just to name a few have all been linked to stress along with lifestyle habits such as poor diet.
Stress is the nonspecific response of the body to any demand, external or internal. The body is sent into an emergency overdrive (the fight or flight response) and releases chemicals such as adrenaline and cortisol to help us cope or respond to the stressor. Over time, with repeated stressors (or what we perceive as stressful) the body becomes overwhelmed by the constant release of these hormones and their acidic, corrosive effects. It causes exhaustion, the immune, endocrine and nervous systems cannot function at their best which causes high blood pressure, sleep disorders, headaches, neck tension, backaches, depression and anxiety.
The natural science of yoga taps into the bodies intrinsic healing system calming and integrating the mind, body and emotions. Through the postures and breathing exercises in Bikram Yoga we take back control of the fight or flight response. Studies have proved how well Hatha Yoga returns the body to equilibrium. In 2005 and German study compared groups of women who were acutely distressed over a three month period. Those who practiced Hatha Yoga showed significantly lower levels or cortisol, made significant decreases in their levels of perceived stress, anxiety, fear and depression. They reported higher level or wellbeing and improved physically. There was a marked level of relief for those suffering headaches and backpain. Yoga is a natural proven remedy, for both the mental and physical reactions to stress.