Yoga and Depression

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Yoga and Depression

 

Written by Sevapuri Hurst

 

http://www.yogaindailylife.org.au/Articles/Yoga/Yoga-and-

Depression.html

 

Stress and anxiety are precursors to depression and their symptoms

can be addressed through the practices of yoga.

 

 

 

What is Stress?

Stress is the reaction to any internal or external stimuli that cause

the activation of he fight or flight mechanism (sympathetic nervous

system) – that can be helpful, but when it happens continually, over

very small incidents and is never given an opportunity to release,

then stress starts to impact negatively on our bodies and minds, e.g.

financial problems, health and family problems, work related stress.

 

 

What is Anxiety?

Anxiety is when there is so much stress that we feel unable to cope

anymore, we have fearful thoughts and physical reactions, these are

the same as stress but more exasperated like a pounding heart,

sweating, nauseous and breathlessness.

 

 

What is Depression?

We all get sad for lots of reasons: disappointment, grief, losing

something valuable, missing out on a job, break up of a

relationship. Sad is a normal reaction and we get over it mostly

with a good nights sleep, or having a talk with a friend or with

time. Depression is this sadness but it is more persistent and can

last for weeks, months or even years. It affects not only how we

feel, but the way that we think and behave. It is not something we

can just get over or snap out of. Depression affects our total

wellness and our motivation.

 

 

Depression can arise from hormonal disturbances, imbalances of the

pituitary gland, thyroid gland and reproductive hormones. Reactive

depression arises from environmental stresses and anxiety in life of

the person. Stress and anxiety can lead drug induced depression -

sedatives, anti anxiety drugs, antipsychotic drugs, stimulants,

alcohol, appetite suppressant drugs and other.

 

YOGA MANAGEMENT

Yoga techniques are an aid and adjunct to any therapy, complimentary

medicine or ongoing treatment. Yoga is not an alternative to

medication, psychologist or counselor support, in fact, if feeling

depressed, see a doctor, as depression can often be part of another

illness.

 

 

Asanas and pranayama concentrate on building up physical and vital

energy levels, with a flexible body follows a more flexible mind. In

Level 3 of the Yoga in Daily Life System there is a strong focus the

bring balance of dynamic movement to renew energy levels, encourage

deeper breathing and lift the spirits complimented by movements that

tone and maintain the endocrine glands and the nervous system that

communicates with these glands. Asanas include forward and back

bending, sideways bending and inverted postures. Balancing asanas

are explored in Level 3 essential to skillfully strengthen the body

by building muscle mass and bone density. They have a strong calming

effect on the mind; develop mental focus and a high level of self

confidence and concentration. Following asanas practice of Nadi

Shodhana pranayama to regulate the nervous system, alleviate stress

and depression, quietening thoughts and emotions and bring inner

balance. Self Inquiry Meditation Level 3 develops Visualisation,

Observation of Feelings, Analysing Relationships with Fellow Humans,

Discovering Your Own Moods and Awakening a Sense of Inner Freedom.

 

 

The key elements in helping us understand and overcome stress,

anxiety and depression are:

 

 

Physical Health

Helping ourselves through periods of stress, anxiety and depression

by practicing asanas, releasing tension, stimulating organs and

glands, cultivating an understanding of our physical and mental state

of being.

 

 

Mental Health

Meditation and breathing techniques help observe thought patterns and

habits, calm the body and mind, aid in focusing and concentration,

balance the nervous system and encourage positive thinking.

 

 

Social Health

Staying active, walking in nature, making plans and follow them

through.

 

 

Spiritual Health

Develop spiritually with a daily Yoga practice which creates a life

affirming ritual; finding acceptance and non attachment and knowing

that everything changes.

 

 

References:

 

Yoga in Daily Life the System - Paramhans Swami Maheshwarananda

 

 

http://www.yogaindailylife.org.au/Articles/Yoga/Yoga-and-

Depression.html