What makes Yoga more effective for stress reduction than, 20 minutes on the elliptical machine at your gym? It provides a complete system of effective movement for the body. While many forms of exercise can reduce stress, therapeutic Yoga is uniquely suited because of its positive effects on the glands and nerves. The movements, set in a sequence, directly release the tension built up over time from holding the breath and various muscles in your particular stress response pattern. Even the sweat that arises during the practice is different, because it is a result of a deep glandular experience, not just the body's response to exertion. Your practice will release tension from the inner organs, nerves, and glands, and create an internal biochemistry of calm, inner balance, and depth of self. The practices of breath and meditation that come with it, can change old stress response patterns. To reverse the ill effects of long-term stress, and to increase your capacity to form and maintain healthy stress respone patterns, breath, meditation, and movement are essential.