Neuroscience of Yoga Flashcards
Name the different brain waves, in order from most active to least.
Beta, Alpha, Theta, Delta.
What is the purpose of knowing the brain wave states?
Helps to enhance a person’s ability to take advantage and make use of the state they are in.
What are the systems of the body which respond to Yoga?
- Autonomic Nervous System 2. Endocrine System 3. Musculature System
Which nervous system is responsible for the fight or flight response.
Sympathetic nervous system.
Which nervous system is responsible for the rest and restore response?
Parasympathetic nervous system.
What part of the brain controls breathing and heart rate?
The brain stem.
What is Neuroplasticity?
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.
What is Newton’s Third Law of Motion?
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.
What are Neurons?
Nerve cells which are electrically excited in the nervous system to process and transmit information.
What makes up the Central Nervous System?
The brain and spinal cord.
What makes up the Peripheral Nervous System?
The nerves and neurons which are outside of the brain and spinal cord.
What does our Cerebellum control?
Our body’s balance, posture, and coordination.
What is Dopamine known as and responsible for?
The reward system. Dopamine is a hormone which makes us feel happy and levels boosted by Vinyasa practice, yoga nidra, and meditation.
What is Proprioception?
The cerebellums perception of where the body is in space (i.e. knowing the arm is behind the body and twisting).
What makes up the Limbic System?
The Amygdala, Cingulate Gyrus, Fornix, Hippocampus, Hypothalamus, Olfactory Cortex, Thalamus.
What is the function Limbic System?
Emotions, emotional responses, Endocrine System, long term memory.
What is the Amygdala associated with?
The relaxation response and religious faith, yoga, meditation and prayer directly stimulate this portion of the brain.
What is the Cingulate Gyrus associated with?
Emotion forming, processing, learning and memory, and respiratory control. Meditation stimulates this part of the brain, increasing the sense of happiness.
What is the Hippocampus associated with?
Long term memory and spatial navigation.. Studies show people who meditate have greater volumes of the Hippocampus.
What is the Hypothalamus associated with?
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.
What is the Thalamus associated with?
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.
Explain the Endorphin effect from Yoga?
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.
Explain the Oxytocin effect from Yoga?
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.
Explain the Serotonin effect from Yoga?
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.
