"PTSD patients have high levels of corticotrophin-releasing hormone (CRH) and unusually low levels of cortisol – two hormones used to regulate the body's response to stress. Although levels of the stress hormone cortisol typically rise in response to pressure, PTSD patients have abnormally low levels of cortisol and benefit when these levels increase.
"Meditation and stretching can normalize stress hormone levels, according to the study, which found cortisol levels responded favorably in subjects who participated in mind-body exercises for an eight week-period...."
Kim, et al. (Jul. 2013). "PTSD Symptom Reduction With Mindfulness-Based Stretching and Deep Breathing Exercise: Randomized Controlled Clinical Trial of Efficacy." Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism. Abstract.
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