Since the 1970s, meditation and other stress-reduction techniques have been studied as possible treatments for depression and anxiety. One such practice, yoga, has received less attention in the medical literature, though it has become increasingly popular in recent decades.

One national survey estimated, for example, that about 7.5% of U.S. adults had tried yoga at least once, and that nearly 4% practiced yoga in the previous year.

Yoga classes can vary from gentle and accommodating to strenuous and challenging; the choice of style tends to be based on physical ability and personal preference. Hatha yoga, the most common type of yoga practiced in the United States, combines three elements: physical poses, called asanas; controlled breathing practiced in conjunction with asanas; and a short period of deep relaxation or meditation.

Many of the studies evaluating yoga's therapeutic benefits have been small and poorly designed. However, a 2004 analysis found that, in recent decades, an increasing number have been randomized controlled trials -- the most rigorous standard for proving efficacy.

When most people think of yoga, they think of physical exercise, but there's another important aspect: meditation. Two types of yogasanas, or yoga positions, exist: One is good for health and the other for meditation. A number of yoga positions help increase concentration through meditation. The positions are called the rabbit, knowledge, lotus, and ideation.

Meditation has several benefits. First, meditation techniques can help people breathe more deeply, which results in more mental awareness. People have the habit of shallow breathing. By breathing deeply, one takes in oxygen, which purifies blood.

Acharya Advayananda Avadhuta (Dada) became a yoga-meditation teacher in 1984 and practiced it himself since 1972. Meditation helped him with his classes to develop focus and memory. He reduced his sleeping hours from eight to six hours of restful sleep. He still does meditation every day for health, calmness, peace, and a better memory.
"I get good health, peaceful mind, and cosmic love through meditation," Dada said. "I get good physical and mental energy by deep relaxation breath techniques. I had recurring illness of fever for six months. Vegetarian diet, yoga positions, deep relaxation techniques, and meditation cured my fever, reduced stress and fear of failing my exams."

Second, meditation can help students achieve more effective study. In the classroom, sometimes a student's body is there but his mind isn't. Or, a student gets tired after studying too much. This effects a student's ability to study and his grade.

Susan Bhattarai, a nepalese nursing student at El Centro College has been meditating for the last three years. Meditation improved his Grade Point Average (GPA) from 2.00 to 3.65. He recommends that everyone participate in meditation to create positive energy.