This article appeared on Dec. 13, 2005 in The Frontiersman We all experience stress at times in our lives.   It's a common phrase in today's world.   “I'm stressed out”.   But what does that really mean, and how can yoga make a difference?   The reason yoga works is because it directly effects the nervous system in a positive way.   Yoga, which in Sanskrit means “Union”, is where the body, mind, and breath are brought into balance with each other.   Specific yogic breathing techniques have a calming effect on the mind and nervous system, while the stretches help to release build up tension held in the muscles, and improve circulation, digestion, elimination, and hormonal function.   During the holidays when stress is on the rise, and it's dark outside, yoga can be the perfect panacea to counter stress and depression.   Let me explain: Our peripheral nervous system is run by what is called the autonomic nervous system whose function is to run all the automatic functions of the body; breathing, heart rate, digestion, and endocrine (hormonal) systems etc. The autonomic nervous system directly influences the functions of body's internal organs , and is divided into two separate opposing systems, the parasympathetic , and the sympathetic . The sympathetic (stimulating) nervous system initiates the stress response, or fight or flight . We can choose to fight , or we can f lee (take flight).   The body revs up by secreting adrenaline and noradrenalin hormones to fight or run by increasing our heart rate, blood pressure, and directs blood to essential muscle groups to assist in this endeavor. It also shuts down systems that are not a priority of the moment, which include digestion, elimination, growth, reproduction, etc. This survival response may save our life when we are in danger and is meant for the short term.   The problem arises however, when we find ourselves chronically stressed and don't engag e in activit ies to burn it off, and the stress builds . There is nowhere for all the excess energy to go, so it sits . I t sits in our shoulder s, neck and back muscles and cause s headaches, it sits in our gastrointestinal muscles and causes upsets and constipation. Chronic stress may also increase blood cholesterol levels increasing the risk of heart disease, stroke and angina and weaken the immune system. Cortisol, another stress hormone interferes with mood enhancing neurotransmitters called serotonin.   Disturbances in serotonin levels can be linked to clinical depression, anxiety disorders and well as increased sensitivity to pain, and insomnia.   Cortisol has also been linked to obesity and diabetes. The parasympathetic nervous system does just the opposite; it pacifies the stress hormones creating a relaxation response in the body.   Yoga directly stimulates the parasympathetic system and triggers its own set of hormones, and chemical responders like serotonin, dopamine, and gaba hormones.    Endorphins, which have natural stress-fighting properties lower cortisol levels, are released during yoga and meditation.   Especially in restorative poses that are typically practiced for 5-10 minutes, in which the body is completely supported in a position where the chest and heart are open, allowing for easier breathing and digestion.   Students of yoga find that they become much more body aware, noticing   when they are holding stress and tension in the body, and are able to let it go, breath it out with practice.   Posture is improved, which makes it easier to breath fully, and balance muscle groups which support the spine, helping to prevent back and neck aches. Yoga is a proven method to reduce stress and improve your health naturally. So, if you are feeling stress during the holiday season, experience for yourself the many benefits yoga has to offer.