GABA is the brain's chief inhibitory neurotransmitter, meaning that it dampens the excitation of neurons.
Though you may not be too familiar with gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) or its effects on mental and physical health, a number of researchers are, and several studies have demonstrated that yoga breathing benefits a person's GABA counts and can thus relieve stress.
GABA is an amino acid, one that acts as a neurotransmitter in the brain. According to the scientific text Neuropsychopharmacology: The Fifth Generation of Progress, this substance works in concert with l-Glutamic acid, also known as glutamate.
In essence, glutamate speeds up the communication between neurons, resulting in "fast excitatory synaptic transmission," the source states. By contrast, GABA is the brain's chief inhibitory neurotransmitter, meaning that it dampens the excitation of neurons.
These two organic compounds must work in harmony in order for the brain to function properly. The source adds that GABAergic drugs – meaning those that boost the amount of GABA in the brain – are used to treat anxiety, to prevent convulsions and to sedate or anesthetize patients.
However, for mild conditions, like anxiety, drugs are not always the answer. Several studies have found that yoga may increase the brain's store of GABA, leading to lower stress levels and increased feelings of peace and calm.
For example, a study published in the Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine found that individuals who completed a one-hour yoga session experienced a 27 percent increase in their brains' GABA levels. By comparison, a control group that simply read for an hour displayed no change in their GABA levels.
Another report in the same journal suggested that doing yoga breathing for stress may have measurable benefits for individuals who suffer from anxiety or depression. Specifically, the report suggested that taking slow, deep, measured breaths can lower the body's levels of cortisol, a hormone that signals stress.
Likewise, the study indicated that doing yoga breathing may increase the amount of the brain's oxytocin, which is a hormone linked to feelings of contentment, lover and empathy.
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