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Monday, May 3, 2021

Yoga Techniques for Depression


200 hour yoga instructor training intensive course
By Sangeetha Saran

Anyone dealing with depression should seek professional counseling immediately. Depression can be a highly debilitating disorder. It is also a very personal one, making it a challenge to treat successfully. In recent years, researchers have been devoting a great deal of time to the potentials that yoga holds as a means of treating depression as an adjunct therapy, particularly as more people are seeking alternatives to pharmaceutical medications. Aside from issues relating to undesirable side effects, finding a way to manage depression without having to rely on externals, like pills, places the power to feel good in each person's own hands.



The results of an extensive study comparing the effectiveness of a broad range of yoga styles and postures were published in the December 2007 edition of Evidence-based Complementary and Alternative Medicine. One of the most important elements affecting mood was found to be postures and pranayama exercises with a strong focus on controlled breathing, as is found within the Sudarshan Kriya technique.

Iyengar techniques were also shown to be particularly effective because of the balance between the physical and the mental. Science has already established the relationship between physical activity and mood, and clinical studies are demonstrating that the mental disciplines of yoga also have a lot to offer to those dealing with the challenge of managing depression.



Hatha Yoga, as performed and taught in the west, tends to be more physically focused, more active and exercise oriented. This was found to be useful for people who are dealing with both anxiety and depression. The physical activity and the brain chemicals that such activity releases resulted in decreased levels of stress and physical tension, which led to lower anxiety levels. That, in turn, helped to decrease depression symptoms and improve overall mood and sense of well being.

Aside from the direct effects that targeted yoga training techniques can have on depression, there are a number of indirect benefits as well that can help to alleviate symptoms associated with depressive disorders. Yoga can help a person with positive thinking and achieving physical fitness, both of which can boost self-esteem and help people feel more accomplished and happy. Attending a yoga school offers the opportunity to get out and meet new people, forming new friendships, which are an important part of mental health and well being.



© Copyright – Aura Wellness Center – Publications Division

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3 comments:

  1. As an addiction treatment counselor working in an inpatient facility and a yoga teacher, I have found that my patients who typically enter treatment quite depressed benefit tremendously from the yoga sessions I incorporate into their treatment each week.

    ReplyDelete
  2. Dear Ginny,

    Thank you for your valued input. It is always good to hear from you. As a person who has an inside view and teaches Yoga, your feedback is appreciated.

    Namaste,

    Paul

    ReplyDelete
  3. A regular yoga exercise can help ease depressive symptoms because of its calming effect.

    ReplyDelete