Hot yoga reduces negative feelings and emotional eating

Physicians are studying the effects of Bikram yoga
Researchers have now discovered that special Bikram yoga seems to reduce the symptoms of depression, including focusing on negative emotions and the so-called emotional binge eating. This suggested that yoga may be a useful adjunct to therapies and antidepressants.

The scientists from the VA Palo Alto Health Care System and the University of Texas found in their study that yoga in a hot environment (Bikram yoga) can reduce the focus on negative emotions and emotional eating. The physicians published the results of their study in the journal "Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology".

Special yoga classes can reduce negative emotions and reduce so-called emotional eating. (Image: JenkoAtaman - fotolia)

How does yoga affect the body??
For most people, yoga is a popular way to be physically active and relieve stress. The experts are now investigating why these positive effects arise. There seems to be a connection between meditation and increased insulin production and slower cellular aging. Yoga even seems to reduce so-called inflammatory genes.

What is Birkam Yoga??
Bikram Yoga is a series of 26 yoga exercises. These exercises are done in a hot room. Bikram yoga is therefore often referred to as hot yoga. In addition to the physical exercises, two special breathing exercises are also performed. The sweating during the exercises should detoxify the body and protect muscles and tendons.

Yoga can reduce stress
Other studies have found a link between inflammation and depression. The current research now provides evidence that yoga helps relieve stress and relieve depression.

Physicians examined 52 participants with signs of depression
For their study, the researchers looked at 52 women with signs of depression, including stress and unhealthy diet patterns. The experts found that when women practiced so-called Bikram yoga, they experienced significant improvements. During the study, 27 women attended yoga classes twice a week for a period of eight weeks. A control group of 25 women did no yoga exercises at all.

What were the benefits of the yoga classes??
At the end of the study, there was an average decrease in stress and emotional eating in the women who participated in the yoga classes. Based on a description of the participants' experiences, the research team also noted that the women in the yoga group were also generally less focused on negative emotions and their causes. In addition, these women were better able to express their positive emotions.

How does stress affect the nervous system??
Yoga seems to work by reorienting two parts of our nervous system, experts say. The parasympathetic nervous system is responsible for rest and relaxation, while the sympathetic nervous system controls the arousal or the so-called combat or escape response. There is some evidence that stress can induce depression and increase activity in the sympathetic nervous system and reduce activity in the parasympathetic system, the researchers emphasize. (As)