We examined changes in brain waves and blood levels of serum cortisol during yoga exercise in 7 yoga instructors and found that alpha waves increased and serum cortisol decreased. These two measures were negatively correlated (r = -.83). Comparison with a control group of nonpractitioners is desirable.

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Background: In an influenza season where reduced effectiveness of oseltamivir was observed, we investigated the effectiveness of Maoto for influenza infection in children. Methods: Patients diagnosed with influenza by rapid diagnostic kit underwent treatment in one of the following groups: Maoto-treated group (group 1 (M)); oseltamivir-treated group (group 2 (O)); Maoto+oseltamivir-treated group (group 3 (M+O)); zanamivir-treated group (group 4 (Z)); and Maoto+zanamivir-treated group (group 5 (M+Z)). Results: In influenza A patients who completed the study (n = 150), the mean duration of fever after administration (DFA) was significantly shorter in group 3 (M+O) (31.1 h, p < 0.01) and in group 4 (Z) (35.2 h, p < 0.05), as compared to group 2 (O) (56.0 h). Among these, in patients aged ≤5 years (n = 54), DFA was significantly shorter in group 1 (M) (33.2 h, p < 0.05) and in group 3 (M+O) (34.6 h, p < 0.05), as compared to group 2 (O) (61.4 h). In influenza B patients who completed the study (n = 70), no significant differences in DFA were observed among the groups. Conclusion: Maoto may be useful, particularly in cases of influenza with low sensitivity to oseltamivir and in patients aged ≤5 years for whom the use of zanamivir is difficult.

In eight yoga instructors, we examined changes in brain rhythms and natural killer cell activity (NK activity) during yoga exercises. We found that the practice of all three exercises studied resulted in increased alpha activity. There were no apparent changes in NK activity after a series of postural (asana) and meditative (mantra) exercises. During respiratory exercises (pranayama), however, changes in NK activity were observed in the eight subjects, positively correlating to increases in alpha frequencies (r D 0.83, p < 0.02).

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