Yogic breathing stimulates saliva production? Do you think this might help with Sjogren's?

Symptoms and Treatments Complementary Therapy
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Induction of salivary nerve growth factor by Yogic breathing: a randomized controlled trial

Sundaravadivel Balasubramaniana1, Jacobo E. Mintzera2 and Amy E. Wahlquista3

a1 Department of Medicine, Cardiology Division, Presently at Department of Radiation Oncology, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, South Carolina, USA Email: ■■■■■■■■■■■■■■■■■

a2 Department of Health Studies, Medical University of South Carolina & Clinical Biotechnology Research Institute, Roper St. Francis Health Care, Charleston, South Carolina, USA

a3 Department of Public Health Sciences, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, South Carolina, USA

Nerve growth factor (NGF), a trophic factor involved in the development, maintenance, and survival of the peripheral nervous system and the cholinergic neurons of the central nervous system, is significantly reduced in Alzheimer's Disease (AD) patients (Aloe et al., 2012). Particularly basal forebrain complex (BFC) neurons are highly affected in AD patients. NGF protects BFC neurons in experimental trauma models and in age-associated cholinergic decline. Therefore, administration of NGF is investigated as a therapeutic option for AD patients (Aloeet al., 2012). NGF therapy is limited by hyperalgesia, limited bioavailability, and use of invasive methods including intracranial injection of adeno-associated virus-based gene delivery vector, which constitutively expresses human NGF. In this context, non-pharmacological modes of treatment such as meditation and Yoga have been considered as alternative approaches to treat neurological disorders. Yogic breathing (YB, also calledPranayama) is a collection of techniques to regulate breathing voluntarily. YB induces a strong relaxation response via vagal and parasympathetic stimulation (Jerath et al., 2006). Such responses are causally linked to rapid changes in gene expression, particularly to those genes controlling stress, inflammation, and metabolism. Saliva is a known source of NGF, and incidentally, Yoga and relaxation stimulate salivation. Saliva (0.75–1.5 L/day in humans) contains numerous biologically active molecules to be potentially useful as diagnostic markers and as therapeutic clues. Salivary secretion regulates the digestive, nervous, immune, and respiratory systems. We conducted a pilot study to investigate whether YB could potentially stimulate salivary expression of NGF in cognitively normal healthy volunteers. This could serve as a model for future studies in AD patients.

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I'm going to have to read this more than once but wow, cool.

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This sounds promising! I may have to dig out my yoga DVD's and try them on the bed. I stopped doing yoga when I could no longer stand to lay on the floor, and could no longer get up, once I got down! I have pulled tables over on myself trying to get up! LOL! That kind of undid the yoga!

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I'm very curious about the mention of using it to treat neurological disorders. I wonder if that would apply to some of the neurological issues caused by SS. Anything non-chemical that gives some relief is a wonderful thing.

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Yes, it does sound promising! Doubly so for me since my father has been suffering with Alzheimer's for a number of years and I believe that genetics play a role in acquiring AD.

I took my first-ever Tai Chi class the other morning and loved it. There seemed to be a lot of emphasis on breathing involved in Tai Chi as well. It was offered by a new Center for Well Being at my local hospital and I felt so good when leaving my beginner's class the other day, I vowed that I would take advantage of other things they had to offer. I noticed they also offer restorative yoga class and meditation classes as well. Does anyone know if yogic breathing is similar to that used in meditation? Would they, by definition, teach it in a restorative yoga class? Have other people had success with these types of disciplines?

Nothing ventured, nothing gained I say. I loved the emphasis placed on healing and being reminded (perhaps for the first time) that my body is not my enemy - it's the pathway to health as well.

Liz

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The author of this article contacted the site. He is an assistant professor and researcher in South Carolina. If any of you are interested in learning more about yogic breathing, or have questions about this article, I can share his information with you so that you can contact him directly. In the future, he may be interested in doing a study with Sjogren's patients.

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I rely on yoga to keep me as strong and flexible as possible. I work one on one with a great teach. She seems to know what I need. I use yogic breathing quite often thru the day. To destressor relax. To meditate, to fall asleep, to manage my fears

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Here is an additional new story on Sundar Balasubramanian: http://www.live5news.com/story/26598888/form-of-yoga-may-ward-off-alzheimers-disease

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I am very interested to learn more about this. Due to constant changes in what meds my insurance will/will not cover has caused me to discontinue some things, as well as the side effects and toll on my liver and kidneys. I prefer any mode of natural treatments and dietary modifications. I suppose just to google it... Thanks for this information and link!

dancermom said:

Here is an additional new story on Sundar Balasubramanian: http://www.live5news.com/story/26598888/form-of-yoga-may-ward-off-a...