The Benefit of Yoga - Fight or Flight?
Medical conditions can be vastly improved through the benefit
of yoga. Yoga can lessen the negative effects of such conditions
as lung disease, Parkinson's, insomnia, high blood pressure
multiple sclerosis, and even joint pain. The benefit of yoga is
being recognized today as a viable alternative not only by the
yoga community, but by many medical doctors.
Stress is the leading cause in many illnesses today. An
astonishing factor in today's world is noted by the Surgeon
General who estimates that "80 percent of the people who die of
non traumatic causes actually die of stress diseases". In this
fast paced world, it is little wonder that people are turning to
alternative solutions.
The use of the benefit of yoga is just one such solution. Since
stress is developed in the mind, it is only natural that
conditions such as depression, anxiety, obsessive-compulsive
disorder, several auto-immune diseases, some types of diabetes
mellitius, some cardio-vascular diseases, and irritable bowel
syndrome would be at the forefront of human conditions and the
quality of life today.
Outside stress is reflected in the reaction of our nervous
system. The input stimuli, known as "Fight or flight" affects
both our metabolism and well being. When faced with danger,
whether real or imagined, the mind prepares the body for
execution of one of these two conditions. Manifestation is in
the form of increased heart rate, higher blood pressure, and the
shutting down of unnecessary bodily functions, such as
digestion. All systems are focused on one of two things - either
"flight" or "fight." Breathing becomes shallow, muscles tense in
anticipation of action, and blood flow to vital organs is
decreased. The digestive and elimination process shuts down.
This can be a good thing - our body is prepared to defend
itself. However, problems arise when this condition is long
term. The "flight or fight" scenario is only meant to be a very
short term event. One can see that long term exposure to this
situation will have very adverse effects on the body. Yoga can
change that.
In nature, the countermeasure for "fight or flight" is known as
the "relaxation response" or parasympathetic nervous system. The
main nerves of the parasympathetic system are the tenth cranial
nerves, or the vagus nerves. They originate in the medulla
oblongata. Parasympathetic stimulation causes a slowing down of
the heartbeat, lowering of blood pressure, increased blood flow
to the skin and viscera, and peristalsis of the GI tract - the
exact opposite of "fight or Flight" symptoms. Yoga induces this
response by teaching the pupil to breathe deeply and relax
muscles. The benefit of yoga is clear. The body recovers faster,
and the harmful effects of stress are reduced.
Yoga subscribes to the theory that by using breathing and
relaxation techniques, the harmful effects of stress on the body
can be eliminated, or at the very least greatly reduced. Through
meditation and calming of the spirit, yoga teaches us to face
the situation of "fight or flight" from a threat to a challenge.
One is able through practice to focus on finding a solution,
rather than creating an immediate response to the stimuli. One
learns to be proactive, and take care of the stressors in their
lives.
The benefit of yoga is undeniable. By utilizing the techniques
of this ancient practice, anyone can achieve the balance and
harmony so needed in their lives. Remember, however, that just
one thing is not the solution to all of life's problems. By
combining yoga with the miracles of modern medicine and
traditional healing remedies, the average person in today's
world will enjoy a longer, happier life.