By Dr. Paul Jerard, E-RYT 500
Yoga techniques, such as pranayama, asana, and meditation practice have been proven to reduce stress levels. High stress levels and chronic states of anxiety or panic cause many problems. Although we may think about heart and blood pressure problems first, cancer rates increase, within high stress environments.
According to the National Cancer Institute, “Studies have indicated that stress can affect tumor growth and spread, but the precise biological mechanisms underlying these effects are not well understood. Scientists have suggested that the effects of stress on the immune system may, in turn, affect the growth of some tumors (1). However, recent research, using animal models, indicates that the body’s release of stress hormones can affect cancer cell functions directly (2).”
Over the past 30 years, in various studies with animals and humans, chronic stress has been a major factor in cancer statistics. On top of the clinical information about the increased production of stress-related hormones, such as adrenaline and cortisol, there is behavior that results from working, or living, with constant anxiety.
Some of these behaviors would be self destructive; to name a few – smoking, alcohol consumption, drug use, and abusive behavior patterns. One under-rated form of abusive behavior is obesity. There are many reasons why stress contributes to obesity. For example: Some people tend to over eat when they are nervous or feel depressed.
All of the above-mentioned problems can be overcome by regular Yoga practice. Yoga, of all kinds, reduces stress levels and helps practitioners develop a sense of self-worth. Yoga styles vary in their emphasis on the following four planes of existence: mental, physical, emotional, and spiritual health. Some styles do not address all four planes of existence.
One good example would be a Yoga class that is more or less a stretch session. In this type of class, students would initially reap the benefits of releasing tension and stress within muscles and joints. Over the long haul, these same students should feel mental benefits. As the body becomes relaxed, the mind is soon to follow.
If a student chose a more meditative style, the mind will become calmer and more focused, while emotional or spiritual benefits follow. Depending on a person’s personality, lifestyle, perspective, and awareness level, one style of Yoga will draw that person more than any other.
The objective is to find the best style to match the individual’s needs. In this way, stress will be reduced gradually. It is not very popular to say, “With steady practice…” However, it should be realized that there are no quick solutions to reducing high stress levels – other than prescriptions. Therefore, prescriptions have become the most popular solution.
Resources:
1. Andersen BL, Farrar WB, Golden-Kreutz D, et al. Stress and immune responses after surgical treatment for regional breast cancer. Journal of the National Cancer Institute 1998; 90(1):30–36.
2. Thaker PH, Han LY, Kamat AA, et al. Chronic stress promotes tumor growth and angiogenesis in a mouse model of ovarian carcinoma. Nature Medicine 2006; 12(8):939–944.
© Copyright 2010 – Paul Jerard / Aura Publications
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