Neurobiological Benefits of Yoga?

Hello everyone, and welcome to the first post of summer! Sorry I have been MIA, but today I would like to discuss something VERY exciting… how neuroimaging has revealed the impact of yoga on our neurobiology! 

In 2021, an article titled, “What Has Neuroimaging Taught Us on the Neurobiology of Yoga? A Review” was published, analyzing this subject matter. To conduct their study, they used 34 prior studies magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), positron emission tomography (PET), or single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT). It was found that on average, gray matter volume increased in the insula and hippocampus, there was increased activation of prefrontal cortical regions, and finally there were functional connectivity changes mainly within the default mode network.

First of all, you may be wondering, what does all of this mean?

Gray matter is a neuron-dense area in the brain which readily processes information in the brain. This is important in the insula because the insula is responsible for autonomic functioning, and in the hippocampus this is especially important because it controls learning, memories, and emotions. So, essentially, because of the practice, yogis are more easily able to control and understand their own emotions, process stimuli, practice self-control, and more.

Secondly, it is vital to understand that the prefrontal cortex is responsible for planning and organizing. So, when there is increased activity in this area, individuals are able to sensibly develop plans of action and such, helping to keep their own thoughts organized.

Finally, the default mode network of the brain refers to the region that shows increased activity when a person is not focused on events or happenings around them. 

So, in the end, we can take away that yogis are more capable of controlling and understanding their own emotions, processing stimuli, practicing self-control, and keeping themselves organized. This is only scraping the top of the barrel, so I really encourage you all to take a look at this incredible study below: 

What Has Neuroimaging Taught Us on the Neurobiology of Yoga? A Review

Thank you for reading, and go do some yoga!

Namaste, Madeleine