A Guide to Yoga Therapy for Depression & Stress

A Guide to Yoga Therapy for Depression & Stress - Yoga is a popular form of exercise that is offered in almost every health club, fitness center, rehabilitation hospital, and school fitness program. Yoga is based on principles of breathing control, stretching, and finding one's center. It is an excellent fitness routine to undertake, especially if you deal with daily stress. Yoga is also used as part of depression recovery.

Depression and stress are common problems in today's nonstop lifestyle. Depression is usually treated with psychotherapy and medication but many people feel that traditional therapy isn't enough. Some depression and chronic stress sufferers turn to alternative therapies such as yoga.

Yoga has a positive effect on the entire body, including the mental state. Endorphins are released during most forms of exercise that cause a person to feel uplifted. Yoga goes a step further by putting the focus on the mind and the body as one, creating a unity between the two that calms the mind and strengthens the body. Practicing yoga on a daily basis is the most effective way to reap its benefits. But even participating in yoga a few times a week can increase emotional stability.

Yoga can redevelop the body as well as the mind. When the body is physically fit, a person has higher self esteem and a greater resilience against daily stress. Several studies on depression show that including exercise in a treatment program is as effective and in some cases more effective than treating with medication alone.

A recent study conducted by the National Institute of Mental Health produced a 73% success rate in depression sufferers who were prescribed sudharshan kriya, a pranayama-based yoga program.

Pranayama, or yoga breathing, is one of the five principles of yoga. Prana means "life force" and yama means "discipline." Yoga breathing increases oxygen in the body and is believed to open up our inner life force. Breathing control connects the body with the mind.

Yoga is a practice of discipline. It takes patience and practice. Dedicating yourself to a regular routine to yoga gives you a sense of accomplishment. You see your body and your mind progress towards a state of overall health.

Yoga DVDs are being made to specifically tackle depression. Yoga for Depression, at the yoga.com store, is taught by an experienced yogi teaches people with depression, anxiety and dysthymia how to get and stay on a path towards mental well being.

Undertaking yoga as part of a comprehensive treatment for depression and stress can give you a sense of control over your condition and a feeling of peace in your daily life.

Resources:

http://yoga.com/ydc/enlighten/enlighten_document.asp?ID=466§ion=9&cat=0

http://yoga.com/store/product.asp?Product_ID=3421

http://www.psychologytoday.com/articles/pto-20001101-000022.html

http://www.abc-of-yoga.com/pranayama/

http://www.abc-of-yoga.com/pranayama/introduction.asp