Study

Title: Certain neuroendocrine responses following the practice of kundalini yoga
Author: Devi, SK Chansouria, JPN Malhotra, OP Udupa, KN
Mediagroup: journal article
Publisher: ---
Zeitschrift: Alternative Medicine
Jahr: 1985
Band: 1
Heft: 3
Seiten: 247-256
Language: englisch
Abstract: In the present study, blood and urine samples were collected from normal healthy volunteers before and after 3 and 6 months practice of Kundalini yoga. Simultaneously, the electroencephalogram (EEG), pulse rate and blood pressure were also measured in these volunteers. In blood, serotonin, melatonin, .gamma.-aminobutyric acid (GABA), glutamate, insulin and monoamine oxidase (MAO) were estimated while in urine 5-hydroxyindoleactic acid (5-HIAA) was determined. Following the practice of Kundalini yoga for 3 and 6 months, the plasma serotonin, melatonin and GABA levels were increased along with the lowering of plasma insulin, monoamine oxidase, glutamate and urinary 5-hydroxyindoleactic acid levels. A simultaneous decrease in the pulse rate and blood pressure were also observed in these volunteers. The EEG .alpha.-activity was found to be increased and regular after practice of Kundalini yoga. Besides, the volunteers experienced some subjective improvements after 6 months practice of Kundalini yoga. The changes tend to suggest that the practice of Kundalini yoga influences the entire neuroendocrine system in the body.