than the control group. There was improvement in performance at submaximal level of exercise and
in anaerobic threshold in the yoga group. Shoulder, hip, trunk and neck flexibility improved in the
yoga group. There was improvement in various psychological parameters like reduction in anxiety
and depression and a better mental function after yogic practices.
Readers speak out: Has yoga ever helped you with depression? Yoga Journal, Jan/Feb 2003,
p. 28.
Readers speak out: How has your yoga practice helped you cope with fear? Yoga Journal,
Jul/Aug 2003, p. 24.
Reder, Alan. Unmasking anger. Yoga Journal, Mar/Apr 2002, pp. 104-.107, 184-188. Article
available online: http://www.yogajournal.com/wisdom/805_8.cfm.
“Many people believe that anger is ‘unspiritual,’ a damaging misconception that often causes us
to stuff it inside. Spiritual traditions such as yoga and Buddhism can teach us how to react
skillfully to anger without repressing it—and turn it into a positive force.”
Reibel, D. K., J. M. Greeson, G. C. Brainard, and S. Rosenzweig. Mindfulness-based stress
reduction and health-related quality of life in a heterogeneous patient population.
General Hospital Psychiatry, Jul-Aug 2001, 23(4):183-192. PMID: 11543844.
Abstract: This study examined the effects of mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR) on
health-related quality of life and physical and psychological symptomatology in a heterogeneous
patient population. Patients (n=136) participated in an 8-week MBSR program and were required
to practice 20 min. of meditation daily. Pre- and post-intervention data were collected by using
the Short-Form Health Survey (SF-36), Medical Symptom Checklist (MSCL) and Symptom
Checklist-90 Revised (SCL- 90 - R). Health-related quality of life was enhanced as demonstrated
by improvement on all indices of the SF-36, including vitality, bodily pain, role limitations
caused by physical health, and social functioning (all P<.01). Alleviation of physical symptoms
was revealed by a 28% reduction on the MSCL (P<.0001). Decreased psychological distress was
indicated on the SCL- 90 - R by a 38% reduction on the Global Severity Index, a 44% reduction on
the anxiety subscale, and a 34% reduction on the depression subscale (all P<.0001). One-year
follow-up revealed maintenance of initial improvements on several outcome parameters. We
conclude that a group mindfulness meditation training program can enhance functional status and
well-being and reduce physical symptoms and psychological distress in a heterogeneous patient
population and that the intervention may have long-term beneficial effects.
Reinders, Sophia. Workshop: Yoga & the emotions. Iyengar Yoga Institute of San Francisco,
2001, 415- 753 - 0909. Sophia, Ph.D., MFT, is a certified Iyengar Yoga teacher, a Jungian
psychotherapist in private practice in Northern California, a faculty member of California
Institute of Integral Studies, and professional member of Yoga Research and Education Center.
“Yoga allows the emotions and feelings that have taken a silent shape in our muscles, in our
posture and movements, to come to awareness and be experienced and expressed consciously...
The workshop develops personal and professional skills through the increased ability for
kinesthetic attunement of self and others.. .”
Relaxation techniques for relief of anxiety & stress. Available online:
http://www.yogamedicine.com/reelax.htm.