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The Neuroscience of Calm: How to naturally increase GABA levels

Lately, I’ve been obsessing about the neuroscience of optimal living – what we can do physically to create an immediate shift in our brain chemistry and nervous system which then affects the types of thoughts we are thinking.

We can work from the “OUTSIDE ––> IN” to change our physical state in order to directly affect our biology and psychology!

One of the most influential factors is the accurate firing of neurotransmitters – the chemical reactions (messengers) between neurons in the brain.

Today, we’re tackling GABA. When GABA levels increase, activity in the amygdala gland is shown to decrease.

The amygdala gland, known as “The Alarm Bell of the Brain” is responsible for throwing us into fight or flight and amping up the Sympathetic Nervous System.

Therefore, when activity in the amygdala gland slows down we are less likely to react from a place of fear, more likely to remain calm, cool and collected and to respond from a balanced, grounded center of wisdom.

A 2007 study called “Yoga Asana Sessions Increase Brain GABA Levels” published by the Journal of Alternative and Complimentary Medicine shows that yoga is one of the most effective ways to increase brain GABA levels.

Watch the quick video above to learn how the different parts of your brain work together, how to increase GABA levels naturally and why yoga, meditation and breath work are some of the most effective tools to help wire your mind for calm and clarity.

Plus, learn about the scientific study proving yoga helps increase GABA levels!

I’d love to hear from you.

What physical activity do you use to help calm and reset your brain?

Sending you all sooo much love!

Ashley

17 Comments

  2. Elizabeth Erngren

    Hi Ashley ~ Am i right in thinking that naturally produced GABA declines with age, along with melatonin, which is one of the main reasons why many humans experience difficulty sleeping as they get older, (ie for pre and post menopausal women,… like ME! : 0 ? And does taking a GABA supplement truly help with that? AND, if that is a “Yes,” is there a GABA supplement you would recommend? Thanks for all You bring to the world. <3

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  3. Florence Harry

    Really amazing stuff. I would love to know the effects of deep breathing/ pranayama on gamma, the amygdala gland and general anxiety! I love the spiritual stuff but I do find the science really helps encourage students to commimit! xx

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  6. Betty Mullaney

    This was really good, thank you, Ashley! I deal with depression so I look forward to anything you have regarding that. Also hoping to catch your next live yoga class. Thank you for all you’re doing!

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  7. Laura Wren

    Loved this, thank you so much, very informative! Do you have the link for the scientific studies please?
    Thank you so much. Laura x

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  12. Malwina

    Love love love this. Thank you for sharing! Really helpful to implement the science behind why yoga is so useful and how it really helps us live more peaceful lives. Will add this into my teachings tomorrow!

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  13. Inbal

    Thanks for this important information!!
    Would you be kind enough to share a link for the actual research you are referring to at the video?

    Best regards
    Inbal

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  14. Cynthia

    So interesting Ashley!
    I am so thrilled to be part of the 5 weeks online training Yoga for mental health! I keep listening and reading your very interesting posts and videos.

    One tiny question , you said that GABA increase and that turns off amygdala but turn on Prefrontal cortex. My question is as PFC is more turn on so, here comes analytical mind, rational thinking… so.. many many thinking and less emotions,feelings,intuitions ( as the amygdala is off) ??

    Thank you for your time!

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  15. Gabrielle

    Amazing, I love the way you explained that. I believe this.

    Lupus
    Anxiety disorder and PTSD

    I believe if I practice mindfulness I can heal myself

    Thank you so much

    Namaste

    reply
  16. Alexis Story

    Hi Ashley! Great information here!! Thank you. A question for you, I was looking up this study and I’m not sure if its the same one or there’s a different one. The one I found (same title, same year) says the comparison is between a yoga practice and reading not walking. Is this the same article or is there another one out there? Thanks again! love your stuff

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