Page 72 - Complementary and Alternative Medicine Treatments in Psychiatry

72 | Complementary and Alternative Medicine Treatments in Psychiatry

(www.mum.edu) (Brown 2009). Brief, frequent meditation seems
to produce significant changes in anxiety and depression using a
mantram (concentrative TM) technique (Lane 2007). Yunesian et
al conducted a pre-post study on an adult Muslim population,
and results indicated that somatization and anxiety were
decreased after 12 weeks of TM (Yunesian 2008). Also, Bormann
et al conducted a random controlled trial and found that the
treatment group among an HIV population had decreased trait-
anger and increased spiritual connection when practicing TM
(Bormann 2006).

Physical Effects of Meditation

Davidson et al conducted a randomized controlled trial and
found there was more activity in the left-side anterior section of
the brain which links to positive mood in people who meditate.
In addition the authors found greater antibodies, which assisted
in immune function (Davidson 2003). EEG studies have revealed
significant increase in both alpha and theta brain wave activity
during meditation. It activates the prefrontal cortex and
anterior cingulated cortex, and EEGs show that long-term
meditation is related to enhanced attention (Chiesa 2010).

Yoga
“Yoga” is a Sanskrit word originating in India. It means to yoke
or to bind. The primary function of yoga is an integration of
mind-body-spirit and emotions (Bhusan 1994). Yoga primarily
consists of three components: asanas (postures), pranayama
(breathing exercises) and dhyana (meditation) (Pilkington 2005).
Yoga has ancient roots but it has been enthusiastically embraced
by the West for physical and spiritual reasons in the past thirty
years. It seems that yoga has far-reaching effects on a variety of
ailments, but especially as an adjunctive treatment for mental
disorders.