Yoga Teacher Training Forum

At present times depression is rated as one of the most commonly found mental ailments or mood disorders. Every person will experience feeling of grieve or disappointment at some moment in its life. This problem affects lives of people in different ways according to types, symptoms and causes of disorder. Continual feeling of low mood and sadness result in lowering productivity level, creativity, health conditions and mental wellness.

Generally mild form of depression is treated by using antidepressant medicines and severe cases of mental disorder by psychotherapy along with medication. Health experts and medical practitioner suggest daily exercising routine essentially as a part of any depression treatment procedure because physical activity is beneficial in calming mind, combating lethargy and promoting positive attitude towards life.

Several studies and clinical trials provide numerous evidences related to practicing holistic yoga therapy regularly as it is a unique mind and body approach to treat depression, reducing levels of stress and enhancing overall wellbeing. According to research yoga practice positively influences thoughts of mind, increases productivity of chemical messengers of brain and neurotransmitters, Serotonin linked with depression. As reported in a study conducted on 13 patients suffering from this mental ailment to determine effects of yoga on mood stated significant improvements in anxiety, tension, depression, anger, dejection, fatigue and bewilderment.

The therapeutic benefits of yoga include soothing, relaxing and positive effects on mind of people suffering from depression along with getting relief from symptoms and causes of mental disorder. The therapy works for improving mood and functions of body. Different techniques of yoga like asanas, paranayama breathing and meditation help to build strong mind and body connection. Paranayama breathing exercises such as ujjayi and alternate nostril breathing play key part in calming mind, reducing levels of stress and body tensions, major reasons behind mood disorder. Breathing exercises also help to get relief and overcome from worries, fears, problems and other situations of daily life. The bodily postures or asanas put pressure on glands and organs, helping them to provide comforting, healing and balance chemical production. These stretching body movements also improve blood circulation throughout body, supply adequate amount of oxygen to brain cells and flush out toxins from the body.

Some of the specific poses which are helpful to treat depression and work as effective antidepressant therapy are as follows,
Forward fold or Uttanasana: This forward bend of body efficiently removes depressed feelings from mind when performed correctly by holding pose for 2 minutes or more.

Back bends: This type of poses energizes and stimulates nervous system and aids in warding off depression effectively.

Child’s pose: It helps to relieves stress and fatigue by stretching lower back and hips.

Cobra pose: This body sequence boosts emotional wellness also provide energy to whole body and strengthen back.

Downward facing dog: It is a classic inverted pose, helps to fight against fatigue and supports mind to focus by a complete stretch.

Head to knee forward bend: This seated forward bending helps to calm mind and eases an individual from state of depression.

Mountain pose or Tad asana: Tad asana with arms over head is an excellent warm up pose that invigorates all body systems and boosts up spirits.

Bridge pose: The pose boosts up mental concentration, alleviates anxiety and depression by lengthening of spine.

Corpse pose: It is an essential physical posture that provides complete relaxation from tensions of both mind and body also rejuvenates the systems efficiently.