#YogaForDepression

#Yoga for Depression:

Dr. Mason Turner, Chief of Psychiatry, Kaiser Permanente San Francisco, said yoga therapy combines meditation and adds in a physical component, both of which are important in combating depression. The meditative qualities bring the person into the present mindset and allows them to clear their minds. The physical aspect helps aid the body-mind connection, which is very important in depression.

“Yoga is also something that can be very powerful in the treatment of depression,” Dr. Turner said.

Even if yoga isn’t a person’s forte, he said, the meditative and physical qualities are important in helping a person overcome depression.

 “There are many different ways to get there,” Dr. Turner said. “There isn't a one-size-fits-all approach.”

How Yoga Helps:

Anxiety Relief. 
A 2010 Boston University study showed that 12 weeks of yoga could help to reduce anxiety and increase gamma-aminobutyric (GABA) levels in the brain (low levels of GABA have been linked with depression and anxiety disorders).

Improved Brain Function. 

Yoga can improve cognitive function, boosting focus and working memory. In a University of Illinois study, participants performed significantly better on tests of brain functioning after yoga, as compared to their performance after 20 minutes of vigorous aerobic exercise.

Lower Stress Levels. 
Yoga's stress-busting powers may come from its ability to lessen the activity of proteins that are known to play a role in inflammation, according to a study published last year from University of California, Los Angeles researchers.

Lower Blood Pressure. 
People with mild to moderate hypertension might benefit from a yoga practice, as a study from University of Pennsylvania researchers found that it could help to lower their blood pressure levels. Researchers found that people who practiced yoga had greater drops in blood pressure compared with those who participated in a walking/nutrition/weight counseling program.

Improved Lung Capacity. 
Practicing yoga for 15 weeks could significantly increase vital lung capacity, which is the maximum amount of air exhaled after taking a deep breath. Vital lung capacity is one of the components of lung capacity.

Improved Sense of Balance. 
Practicing specific yoga program designed for older adults was found to improve balance and help prevent falls in women over 65, according to a 2008 Temple University study.

Lower Risk Of Heart Disease. 

As part of a healthy lifestyle, yoga may lower cardiovascular risk factors such as high blood pressure, cholesterol and blood sugar, according to Harvard Health Publications.

Yoga for Depression should be always customised and schedule as per the necessity of the participant. As per Yoga, the root cause of the ailment may be in different level at the five Sheaths of Kosa - Annamaya kosa, Pranamaya kosa, Manomaya kosa, Vignanamaya kosa and Anandamaya kosa. A teacher first diagnose the root of the cause and tries to remove it by different methods of Yoga.

There are few ways:
1. Regular Yoga practices. (Asanas etc)  
2. Pranayama (Breathing practices)
3. Different types of Kriyas. 
4. Guided meditations.

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