Yoga Can Make You Happier, Study Claims

(NewsCore) - Yoga can really make us happier people because, more than other forms of exercise, it raises the levels of important mood-elevating chemicals in the brain, according to research published Friday in the Journal of Alternative and Complimentary Medicine.

Over several months, scientists at the Boston University School of Medicine measured the levels of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) in the brains of two groups -- one that practiced yoga and the other that walked.

GABA is an indicator of mood because people who suffer from depression or anxiety tend to have low levels of it in the brain. GABA levels are higher in people who do not have depressive symptoms and experience a generally higher level of overall well-being.

The experiment looked at the levels of GABA in subjects’ brains before and after the exercise using brain scanning technology.

The research confirmed the group who did a lot of downward dogs boosted the GABA levels in their brains far more than the group those who walked for exercise.

Not only did the GABA level climb in the brains of the yoga practitioners, but the yogis actually experienced far greater improvements in mood when compared with the those who strolled.

The research team believes this work can be part of a foundation for more studies into using yoga as a therapy for people who have mental disorders.