Changes in the respiratory system were previously illustrated by the studies on athletes and community home girls (Research). Improvement in breathing is also related to reduced stress by its ability to elevate mood, induce calmness, and reduce exhaustion, hostility, apprehension, and anxiety. The associated reduction of sympathetic reactivity and relaxation of muscles involved in respiration are also useful in combating bronchial asthma and other pulmonary disorders (Pandya, et al., 1999). Additionally, the results of the experiment with athletes also demonstrated the improvement of the cardiovascular system. Pandya, et al. (1999) also refer to studies in which endurance and aerobic power increased following yoga, as well as results that show improved blood flow and increased efficiency of metabolism. These effects on cardiovascular health make yoga a potential therapy for preventing certain coronary heart disease symptoms, such as myocardial ischemia, and reducing blood pressure.
Regarding psychological issues,
the decrease in sympathetic tone and apparent decline in stimulation of the
hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal axis, which is activated when stressed, has
been beneficial to the management of obsessive-compulsive disorder in particular.
Yoga may also assist those with other psychological disorders, such as Attention
Deficit Disorder, cerebral palsy and autism, through the physical component
as well as the mental awareness and concentration involved (see Yoga for the
Special Child: http://www.specialyoga.com/).
More generally, however, the overall tendency of yoga to improve energy and reduce stress, anger, tension, anxiety, and even depression provides practitioners with the means to prevent or reduce the likelihood or severity of stress-related diseases (Pandya, et al., 1999; Yardi, 2001). People who suffer from any one of many chronic conditions can find relief from symptoms through yoga (AYA - Yoga and Wellness: http://www.americanyogaassociation.org/wellness.html).