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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