Neuroscience of Yoga

Question 1

Name the different brain waves, in order from most active to least.

Answer 1

Beta, Alpha, Theta, Delta.

Question 2

What is the purpose of knowing the brain wave states?

Answer 2

Helps to enhance a person’s ability to take advantage and make use of the state they are in.

Question 3

What are the systems of the body which respond to Yoga?

Answer 3

1. Autonomic Nervous System 2. Endocrine System 3. Musculature System

Question 4

Which nervous system is responsible for the fight or flight response.

Answer 4

Sympathetic nervous system.

Question 5

Which nervous system is responsible for the rest and restore response?

Answer 5

Parasympathetic nervous system.

Question 6

What part of the brain controls breathing and heart rate?

Answer 6

The brain stem.

Question 7

What is Neuroplasticity?

Answer 7

Based on a concept that we can consciously change our neural pathways by disconnecting from one thought pattern and reconnect through another with consistent reinforcement. Yoga comes into play here, through all 8 Limbs.

Question 8

What is Newton’s Third Law of Motion?

Answer 8

The law that states that for every action there is always an equal and opposite reaction, meaning that every thought you have which is put into action will create an equal and opposite reaction.

Question 9

What are Neurons?

Answer 9

Nerve cells which are electrically excited in the nervous system to process and transmit information.

Question 10

What makes up the Central Nervous System?

Answer 10

The brain and spinal cord.

Question 11

What makes up the Peripheral Nervous System?

Answer 11

The nerves and neurons which are outside of the brain and spinal cord.

Question 12

What does our Cerebellum control?

Answer 12

Our body’s balance, posture, and coordination.

Question 13

What is Dopamine known as and responsible for?

Answer 13

The reward system. Dopamine is a hormone which makes us feel happy and levels boosted by Vinyasa practice, yoga nidra, and meditation.

Question 14

What is Proprioception?

Answer 14

The cerebellums perception of where the body is in space (i.e. knowing the arm is behind the body and twisting).

Question 15

What makes up the Limbic System?

Answer 15

The Amygdala, Cingulate Gyrus, Fornix, Hippocampus, Hypothalamus, Olfactory Cortex, Thalamus.

Question 16

What is the function Limbic System?

Answer 16

Emotions, emotional responses, Endocrine System, long term memory.

Question 17

What is the Amygdala associated with?

Answer 17

The relaxation response and religious faith, yoga, meditation and prayer directly stimulate this portion of the brain.

Question 18

What is the Cingulate Gyrus associated with?

Answer 18

Emotion forming, processing, learning and memory, and respiratory control. Meditation stimulates this part of the brain, increasing the sense of happiness.

Question 19

What is the Hippocampus associated with?

Answer 19

Long term memory and spatial navigation.. Studies show people who meditate have greater volumes of the Hippocampus.

Question 20

What is the Hypothalamus associated with?

Answer 20

Regulate the Autonomic Nervous System via hormone production, regulates blood pressure, heart rate, hunger, thirst , sexual arousal, and the sleep/wake cycle. Yoga rejuvenates the Hypothalamus, reducing the negative effects of stress.

Question 21

What is the Thalamus associated with?

Answer 21

Sleep and wakefulness, arousal, awareness activity, and also the processing of information. Thalamus is essential in Yoga through the distinction of oneself from the material world.

Question 22

Explain the Endorphin effect from Yoga?

Answer 22

This is the neurotransmitter which creates the happiness after practicing Yoga or meditation. The feelings of happiness help to combat negative emotions and reduce blood pressure.

Question 23

Explain the Oxytocin effect from Yoga?

Answer 23

Oxytocin is produced during sex, intimacy, childbirth, and breastfeeding, and the act of touching or social experiences. When we practice together we are throught to increase our Oxytocin levels, leading to reduced fear and increased trust.

Question 24

Explain the Serotonin effect from Yoga?

Answer 24

Serotonin is associated with mood and behaviour and low levels of Serotonin are linked to anxiety and depression. The relaxation response from Yoga and meditation increase Serotonin levels.

Question 25

Inversions and forward folds are therapeutic for the pineal gland and boosting ______ levels?

Answer 25

Melatonin, which is helpful for your sleep and wake cycle.

Question 26

Which neurotransmitter which is thought to be a mood stabilizer and is higher in meditators?

Answer 26

GABA in the central nervous system. People with anxiety, tension, insomnia, and epilepsy are thought to have inadequate levels of GABA.

Question 27

How does Yoga play a role with the body’s DHEA levels?

Answer 27

Meditation provides a dramatic boost for DHEA, which is thought to enhance memory, reduce depression, boost immunity, and improve the physical and psychological sense of wellbeing.

Question 28

What is HGH, and how does Yoga affect this?

Answer 28

Human Growth Hormone, which stimulates growth and sustains tissues and organs. As the amount our body produces decreases as we age, yoga and deep meditation dramatically increase this hormone, fighting the effects of aging.

Question 29

Explain the effect of Cortisol in the body with Yoga and Meditation.

Answer 29

Cortisol levels are proven lower in the blood when practicing Yoga and meditation. Cortisol in high levels is associated with decreased bone density, chronic stress, suppressed thyroid function, strokes, and many more health issues. High levels of Cortisol make you crave fatty foods.

Question 30

What do the majority of most physical illnesses/diseases have?

Answer 30

An emotional element.

Question 31

Being positive helps to boost which system?

Answer 31

The immune system, by recovering quicker from periods of stress.

Question 32

Can our DNA be shortened and how?

Answer 32

Yes, with negative thoughts and emotions.

Question 33

Name one effect having positive emotions will have on the physical body?

Answer 33

Reduce excessively high blood pressure.

Question 34

Explain what each of the brain waves state is.

Answer 34

Beta - alert/working
Alpha - relaxing/reflecting
Theta - drowsy
Delta - sleep

Question 35

Name some benefits of listening to brain waves during meditation.

Answer 35

Strengthened immune system, feelings of inspiration and happiness, reduction of stress, boost of DHEA, Serotonin, GABA, Melatonin, Endorphins, increased learning ability.