Practicing yoga supports hormonal balance, regulates hormones in the body, helps reduce stress and relax.
Hormonal disorders occur when the endocrine feedback system malfunctions, causing an imbalance in the body’s ability to regulate and control hormones. The body produces too much or too little hormone, which can lead to heart rhythm disorders, affect bone and tissue development, and affect fertility.
Some common types of hormonal disorders include menopause, diabetes, Addison’s disease, Cushing’s syndrome, Graves’ disease, Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, hyperthyroidism, hypothyroidism, prolactinoma, and endocrine cancer.
BS.CKII Truong Thi Vanh Khuyen, Department of Endocrinology – Diabetes, Tam Anh General Hospital, Ho Chi Minh City, said that practicing yoga regularly helps reduce stress, depression and anxiety. This exercise also helps the body release hormones that help improve these conditions, increasing energy levels and feelings of happiness.
Endorphin: Yoga promotes the body to secrete endorphins which act as a natural pain reliever in the body. This hormone is released when having fun, exercising or after overcoming difficulties and achieving something. Endorphins interact with receptors in the brain, creating a feeling of excitement, reducing stress, helping the body manage emotions and cope with difficult situations.
Exercisers can feel the effects of endorphins as they are released into the blood and remain high for several hours after the session, providing a feeling of relaxation.
Cortisol: Often released during stress, it is called a stress hormone. Cortisol is very necessary for the body, but too much can cause harm such as mood changes, weight gain, and insomnia. Practicing yoga regularly helps lower cortisol levels, reduce stress and calm the mind.
Doctor advises to check mobility for patients at the Department of Endocrinology – Diabetes. Illustration: Tam Anh General Hospital
Serotonin: This is a neurotransmitter responsible for regulating mood, feelings of depression and sadness. When practicing yoga, serotonin is released which increases energy levels in the body, improves cognitive function, increases memory, alertness and concentration.
Muscles that are regularly exercised when practicing yoga increase metabolism. Yoga that focuses on breathing can stimulate the endocrine system to produce and distribute hormones throughout the body, working more effectively.
Doctor Khuyen said yoga only plays a supporting role and cannot replace medicine in the treatment of endocrine diseases. People with the disease should go to an Endocrinologist for examination and appropriate treatment.