People usually think that the stress is all due the activities related to our mind. But it is found that stress is not in our minds, it is due to the activity of genes which turn on or off during a stress periods. Yoga and other forms of relaxation techniques keep these genetic activities under control. The long-term yoga practitioners instead of turning on or off the genes responsible, they are able to turn off the genes responsible by evoking the relaxation. These relaxation techniques used in various practices like yoga, meditation and prayer can activate and control over 2,200 genes differently in long term practitioners and 1,561 genes in short term practitioners.

Very interesting. I've been trying some pilatess which actually kind of reminds me of yoga and I've found the deep breathing and stretching to be very relaxing.

I'm just curious, how can yoga possibly activate and control several different genes? What exactly does Yoga do for the body? I've seen lots of people chant and meditate, and I don't really understand it.

I think it's one of those mind over matter things. Just like positive thinking can be very beneficial to you. Never done it though, so I'm not sure

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-Brittany Brydahl

yoga does deeply help with stress relief. yoga does a lot more than but stress relief is one of those things.

Stretching aside, maybe practicing yoga has a placebo effect? If you tell people that something is good for them, then they'll believe it and start to see the positive effects of it.

I am completely agreeing with the statement that Yoga is one of the most effective methodologies for the reduction of depression and stress. But I had never heard about the influense of the Yoga on genes. Are you sure of this information and where did you get it?