ANSWER-1
Psychoneuroimmunology works on the bases of nervous system and its connection with immune system. Placebo effects work on the similar concept of inducing the effect on the nervous system. It stimulates the immune system to counteract the disease. The difference between both modalities is that in PNI, the use of pharmacology, medicine, psychiatry is used to derive a specific outcome from the patient. In case of placebo, there is no outcome. It has no effect on the condition. It acts by misdirecting the nervous system and immune system. So, in a way, both modes of treatment have a certain similarity.
ANSWER-2
Yin and yang is the concept based on the nature’s duality. To maintain thee balance in the universe, all the things are divided in equal counter parts. For example, hot and cold, night and day, summer and winter, etc. The functions of sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous system are very similar to this. They both are part of autonomic nervous system, but they have opposite mechanism in the body. Even though they depict opposite functions, they are actually harmonizing to each other. To maintain the balance in the nature both summer and winter are required, in the same way, to maintain proper physiology, both nervous systems are required.
ANSWER-3
Yoga is a set of certain postures. Each posture has various underlying mechanism on different systems in the body. There are some postures which directly stimulate the neuroendocrine system and improve the physiology of body. For example, ‘Dhanurasan’ is a posture, in which body is in ‘bow’ position. This posture gives pressure on the ANS of pancreas and stimulates beta cells production to regulate insulin levels. Another posture called ‘Vajrasana’ compresses the thighs and buttocks and stimulates the neuroendocrine mechanism that controls metabolism of fat in these areas. This posture reduces excess fat from these parts. Likewise, yoga is having a web of underlying mechanism on the neuroendocrine system.
ANSWER-4
The stress mechanism works on web of neuroendocrine signals. Adrenaline gland, that is located above kidneys secrete epinephrine in the situation of stress which gives adrenaline rush and stimulates the brain to fight in that situation. During possible threat to life, these hormones are produced and give immediate strength to either fight or flight. Acetylcholine is the counter part of this system that reverts all the changes happened during the ‘Fight or Flight’ situation. These mechanisms are basic instincts of all living beings.
ANSWER-5
‘Yoga’- the word meaning is combination of body, mind and soul. ‘Asana’- means a comfortable posture. The basic philosophy behind Yoga is to improve health by bringing body, mind and soul at one level and achieve highest point of awareness in life.
ANSWER-6
The possible cause for common disease is imbalance in the natural physiology. If any factor maintaining regular metabolism in the body either depletes or increases, the disease occurs.
ANSWER-7
There are more benefits than risks in Yoga therapy. However, people with certain heart conditions and other metabolic disorders will have contradiction to perform certain postures. Apart from that, there are no risks in Yoga.
ANSWER-8
The similarity between allopath and Yoga is that, both systems focus on treating disease on the lines of restoring the balance to the physiology. The main difference is that in yoga, there are less side effects and the results are slower than allopath.
References
(2011, Mar). Understanding the stress response. Harvard Health publications. Retrieved Jun 8, 2014,
Streeter, C. (2012, May). Effects of yoga on the autonomic nervous system, gamma-aminobutyric-acid, and allostasis in epilepsy. Medical Hypothesis. 78(5), 571-579.
Ziemssen. T, and Kern.. (2007). Psychoneuroimmunology--cross-t. Journal of Neurology,
Complementary, Alternative, or Integrative Health: What’s In a Name?. National Institutes of Health. Retrieved Jun 8, 2014, from National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine
Garner, Ginger.. Yoga more than “Complementary and Alternative Medicine”. Ginger Garner. Retrieved Jun 8, 2014,
