“Researchers at Boston University School of Medicine (BUSM) and McLean Hospital have found that practicing yoga may elevate brain gamma-aminobutyric (GABA) levels.” So what you might ask? Well this is neurochemical “proof” that yoga can help those suffering from many mental illnesses.

First off, you have to understand the role of GABA. It is the brain’s primary inhibitory neurotransmitter. That means it STOPS things…impulsive acts, negative thoughts…starting to get the picture, right? GABA has been shown to help sleep, stabilize blood pressure, and reduce symptoms of anxiety.

The medication family known as mood stablizers works to stimulate GABA production in the brain, producing anti-anxiety, anti-convulsive effects.

The study from Boston University showed that the GABA levels of participants who had done one hour of yoga were significantly higher (a 27% increase) than those who had done one hour of reading.

This study is part of a fascinating and growing body of research that shows we can affect the chemistry of our brain by what we do. For years people have “known” that yoga, relaxation techniques, sleep and other interventions were calming and restorative. Now, through neuroscientific research, we’re finding out the why/how.

With 15% of the world’s diseases classified as mental illnesses by the World Health Organization, this news is big. Depression and anxiety are both associated with low GABA levels.

I know many parents who have had great success supplementing their special kids’ diets with GABA. It, like Inositol and 5HTP, is a calming agent with little known side effects. While I would recommend to any parent researching biomed interventions to find a DAN! doctor or holistic doctor to consult with, many have had very positive results at lessening their child’s challenges when they find the right supplements.

Meanwhile, I can’t see the harm to learning a bit about yoga. Something that powerful and safe seems to be worth a try.

Children’s Yoga

The Hope Connection

Noise & Dyslexia