Cure depression with Yoga

Cases of depression are increasing. According to the World Health Organization, depression with cardiovascular disease, are the most common diseases in the near future. In fact, it is estimated that between 8% and 15% of people will suffer a picture of depression at some time during their life. Surely this alarming data are confirmed by the increase in sales of antidepressants and anxiolytics, which now have become top - selling drugs.

This situation helps us to become aware of a disease that infiltrates increasingly in our lives, that touches us directly or affecting the people around us. Different types of depression that can be categorized as pathological, reactive depression, secondary depression and endogenous depression, in many cases, need pharmacological treatment and often the cure is to take antidepressants . However, the fact is that when it comes to curing depression, the best results are obtained by linking psychological help to drug therapy, as the latter does not provide a long-term solution because it does not attack the root problem.

The effects of Yoga in depressed people

In recent years there have been several studies aimed at finding alternative solutions to the use of drugs to avoid side effects. In this sense, one of the most promising lines of research to cure depression is to analyze the effects of Yoga. These studies confirm that regular practice of Yoga can help people who suffer from this disorder to strengthen their ability to cope with depressive symptoms.

In particular, a study conducted at the National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences in Bangalore states that practice Asana, Yoga positions, significantly reduces levels of cortisol and adrenaline, stress hormones, helping to restore a state of relaxation and promoting acceptance of negative feelings caused by panic attacks and episodes of depression. According to these scientists, acceptance is the key to healing, why Yoga can be a good ally.

Another 2007 study at the University of California involved 27 women and 10 men with major depression in remission, which underwent 20 sessions of Yoga. Upon completion of the study, the researchers recorded a significant reduction in the level of depression and anxiety. In fact, all participants showed significant improvement in their mood after practicing Yoga.

Of course, the Yoga does not represent the ultimate solution to cure depression, each person may experience different results, but the benefits of this discipline have been amply demonstrated. In fact, some neuroscientists indicate that Yoga acts similarly to the way drugs since it has a direct effect on neurotransmitters. 

Science confirms that yoga reduces depression

A particularly interesting study that confirms the effects of yoga on depression was published in the Indian Journal of Psychiatry and involved 60 professional caregivers dealing with patients with severe neurological deficits and when in contact with people suffering, began to develop themselves symptoms of anxiety and depression.

Half the group was given the opportunity to practice yoga for 45 minutes a day for a month, following a particular sequence: singing OM, breathing exercises Yoga practice of certain asanas, 15 minutes Yoga Nidra, 10 minutes Pranayama Yoga and end repeat syllables according to the methodology Pranava Japa. 

The results were surprising: the group who had practiced yoga showed a significant improvement in their physical and psychological state. In fact, they showed a significant decrease in levels of anxiety and depression.

Actually, what these studies show is that regular practice of the disciplines of Yoga can help develop awareness of our mood and, in particular, provide a different approach to the disease. So while the Yoga alone will not probably sufficient to cure severe depression, is a very valuable tool that can relieve symptoms and speed healing, both mentally and physiological level.

 Thanks again for reading :)

@allmonitors