barg 2005a). Along with the activation of the sympathetic nervous system observed in the cortex, Brown and Gerbarg (2005a) postulate that SKY, which includes HFYB, enhances the ability to deal effectively with stress over time and in acute forms. The toning of the nervous system may build up reserves and prevent depletion or a decline into states of hypo- or hyper-reaction (Brown and Gerbarg 2005a). It is important to point out that Brown and Gerbarg’s (2005a) model uses SKY, of which HFYB is an essential component of the fourpart exercise and is not promoted on its own. In this way, HFYB is part of a longer practice that trains practitioners to regulate their nervous system: “By taking the nervous system through its paces, similar to practicing musical scales, SKY provides a kind of autonomic/ endocrine training exercise that ultimately may strengthen, stabilize, and enhance the flexibility of the system” (Brown and Gerbarg 2005a). The practice of SKY was tested with a group of individuals with depression and resulted in a significant decrease in cortisol levels (a marker of stress) as well as subjective depression scores (Brown andGerbarg 2005a). Brown and Gerbarg (2005a) cited a comparative study in which SKY, electroconvulsive therapy (ECT), and a tricyclic antidepressant were tested with patients with severe depression. This study found that significant transient increases in prolactin were associated with SKY and ECT. Prolactin is a hormone known to reduce fear and anxiety and is released through vagal nerve function (Brown and Gerbarg 2005a). Brown and Gerbarg (2005a) further suggested research exploring the potential association between oxytocin release and SKY. They cited that oxytocin, a hormone attributed to social bonding and the reduction of stress in response to social separation, is affiliated with the parasympathetic nervous system and the regulation of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal pathway. Oxytocin is hypothesized to play a role in the subjective experiences of well-being, bonding, closeness, attachment, and belonging that practitioners report after SKY training (Brown and Gerbarg 2005a). Due to the recorded effects of HFYB and other yogic breath practices on the nervous system, it seems reasonable to begin studying the effects on hormone levels that play a role in well-being. Brown and Gerbarg (2005b) reviewed several studies that have shown SKY to be an effective treatment for depression, insomnia, post-traumatic stress disorder, phobias, substance abuse, and medical conditions related to stress. They mentioned that HFYB is, in general, contraindicated for individuals with bipolar disorder, severe borderline personality disorder, and psychotic disorders. They recommended accommodations for individuals with anxiety who tend to hyperventilate: for example, the HFYB portion of SKY may need to be slowed down to maintain a sense of control and avoid triggering a panic attack. Brown and Gerbarg (2005b) warned that SKY breathing may evoke sensations related to trauma. However, when patients are, prior to practice, informed of the possibility for emotional or physical reactions, and when such reactions are experienced in a supportive therapeutic context, the possibility of releasing pain without re-experiencing trauma is increased (Brown and Gerbarg 2005b). Spirituality Studies 2 (1) Spring 2016 43
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy MzgxMzI=