Understanding the Discovery
Neuroscientists at the have identified a brain pathway that regulates voluntary breathing, potentially leading to a pill that mimics the calming effects of breath work and meditation.
This discovery explains how slowing down breathing can control negative emotions like anxiety and fear, grounding practices such as yoga and mindfulness in scientific evidence.
Implications and Future Directions
The research opens the door for a new class of drugs targeting anxiety disorders more specifically, potentially reducing side effects compared to current medications like Xanax and Lexapro.
While the 'yoga pill' could revolutionize anxiety treatment, its development and clinical trials may take up to 10 years, and researchers are also exploring the opposite circuit that increases anxiety.