Page 7 - Self-Improvement

Contributed by Dr. Damian Rodriguez, DHSc,

MS

As if you’ve ever needed any more reason to
break out your doTERRA Yoga Collection and
practice your asanas and pranayama, a

recently published study has shown that
regular yoga sessions may be an effective

means to improve cognitive function.
Using a within-subjects experimental design, researchers examined the acute
effects of yoga and meditation on function and mood.1 Study participants

completed, in random order, 25 minutes of yoga, 25 minutes of mediation, and
25 minutes of reading. Following all three sessions, executive function (the set

of skills involving mental control and self-regulation) was assessed using the
Stroop task test, and metrics of mood change were evaluated through the
completion of a Profile of Mood States (POMS) questionnaire. This is probably

not surprising to those yoga advocates out there, but acute effects of the yoga
sessions included significant improvements in executive functioning

(determined by Stroop performance) and increases in POMS scores.

While the meditation did increase both Stroop and POMS scores, the effect

was less pronounced. And there were no statistically significant differences
following the reading sessions. Participants also noted that the yoga and
meditation sessions had an energizing effect, although that effect was far more

prominent following yoga. Prior theories about the cognitive-, mood-, and
energy-enhancing benefits of yoga have run the gamut, from possibly

increasing blood flow to the brain to positive hormonal response (endorphins),
but in all honesty, we simply don’t know. What contemporary science
continues to confirm, however, is that yoga works both acutely and long-term

to improve health and well-being in a number of ways, and far better than
other common activities.2-4

Whether you prefer the grounding aroma of doTERRA Anchor, the centering
scent of doTERRA Align, or the uplifting effects of doTERRA Arise, put a few

drops of your favorite Yoga Collection oil in your diffuser and experience the
multitude of benefits that yoga practice imparts.