Depression and Yoga

  • 2012

Depression is one of the most common diseases that affects humanity, every day the intake of antidepressants is increasing. While antidepressants can be effective, they can also cause problematic side effects. The teacher and author of the book "Yoga for depression", Amy Weintraub, says that you can find a more holistic treatment against depression in yoga, this definition was based on your personal experience.

Weintraub worked as a media professional and battled a severe depression in 1989 when he took his first yoga class. He immediately felt a marked change in his mood. The effects of yoga were so positive that I continued practicing discipline and feeling better. In a year, she was able to stop taking antidepressants and today she is a teacher and faithful defender of this ancient science. "Practically every day, someone tells me how important this practice has been to maintain their mental health." The book, Yoga for Depression, is very popular among other teachers of Yoga that have also had to deal with depression.

They tell me they started practicing yoga daily after reading my book. Over time, they were able to manage their mood enough to stop taking their antidepressant medications and, like me, they want to share what they believe saved their lives.

Although exercise is often recommended to treat depression, the practice of yoga requires that more attention be given to breathing and body sensations compared to traditional exercises. Weintraub indicates that precisely that is what makes yoga effective in relieving depression.

`` Psychologists and yogis agree that the feeling of happiness arises when the present moment absorbs us, point it out. The body is always present. But the mind is a continuous traveler, but when we manage to bring our attention to sensation and breathing through yoga, we become the presence we seek.

In addition to cultivating consciousness, the physical practice of yoga nourishes the brain and balances the nervous system . The type of deep breathing using the diaphragm that is done in yoga, reverses the surface breathing patterns related to depression and anxiety. Studies also show that yoga practice reduces cortisol, the stress hormone and increases good hormones as well as endorphins.

Certain poses of yoga (asanas), such as back-torsions and investments, can be especially beneficial for those who fight depression, but only if they are done consciously.

"The important thing is the way in which asana is practiced, " he says. "If you are not aware of breathing and feeling in your body, it is not worth it and you better go jogging." Today, so many yoga styles are taught that most people can find a class and a teacher that suits them. Weintraub, who has worked with teenagers, seniors, people in wheelchairs and people with different skill levels, says that even simplified poses can be a powerful weapon when combined with conscious breathing and affirmative thoughts. "Let's say a student can't hold the warrior's traditional pose, " "Instead, he can stand up straight with his arms outstretched, breathing deeply into the mountain pose, inhaling everything he seeks whether it's peace, clarity or relaxation through of his outstretched arms. "

When someone focuses on the alignment of postures and conscious breathing, it is difficult to think of anything other than their yoga class. Over time, people who practice yoga can develop a type of consciousness that allows them to witness and observe how internal feelings change and, in addition, learn to see that moods also come and go. Therefore, "I am depressed" becomes "I see that depression is present, as are other sensations."

It is necessary to try other alternatives, such as yoga and meditation, in addition to helping in depression, stress, anxiety, panic states, it will give us many benefits and joy in our lives. If we learn to see life in a more positive way and attach yoga, meditation, our life will become much more interesting, and we will enjoy better health.

Sarvavita

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