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The Spokesman-Review Newspaper
Spokane, Washington  Est. May 19, 1883

Yoga can be antidote to stress

Anthony L. Komaroff Universal Uclick

DEAR DOCTOR K: I know yoga has a lot of physical benefits, but is it true yoga can help reduce stress as well?

DEAR READER: Many people initially come to yoga to become physically fit, but they soon discover the psychological benefits. In addition to being great exercise, yoga is one of the best antidotes to the stress of modern living.

The first person I ever knew who regularly practiced yoga was an intense and ambitious young doctor. Any conversation with him was short and difficult; he completed your sentences for you and interrupted you at will. He was very smart and had a lot of valuable things to say, but that didn’t mean you looked forward to talking with him.

Then something odd happened. I had a conversation with him in which he didn’t interrupt me. A few weeks later, I had another. What was going on? I learned from his wife that she’d suggested, strongly, that he try yoga – and he loved it.

In addition to physical postures and exercises, traditional yoga incorporates breath control, deep relaxation, meditation, concentration and mindfulness. These mind-body practices counteract stress by evoking the relaxation response.

When we feel stress, our bodies enter “fight or flight” mode. We release stress hormones that put our brain and body on high alert. This “fight or flight” response was of great help to our distant ancestors when they were running from a lion, and it’s also of great help today when we face an urgent and dangerous situation. It can even help in dealing with a sudden stressful situation that really isn’t dangerous – like talking your way out of a speeding ticket. But over time, stress can take a toll on your mental and physical health.

The relaxation response is essentially the opposite of the stress response. It lowers heart rate and blood pressure and decreases the production of stress hormones. Practicing yoga leads to changes in the mind and body that promote feelings of tranquility and well-being.

To send questions, go to AskDoctorK.com, or write: Ask Doctor K, 10 Shattuck St., Second Floor, Boston, MA 02115.