There are several treatment options for depression medications, counseling and brain stimulation techniques. Due to the side effects of medications the concept of nutritional or herbal supplements came forwards. But they too have side effects and the supplements are useful for all like pregnant women and patients having other medical conditions. Hence yoga was considered the alternative treatment option for depression. In yoga there are no side effects, no drug interactions and no contraindications. Further, curing depression is only one of the several benefits of yoga, the ancient method of healing.
By doing yoga it is possible to widen the spiritual boundaries after getting relieved physical and emotional pain. By doing the yogasna and pranayama it is possible to soften the rigidity and forget irritation and sorrows. Yoga teaches to accept oneself as he is and work within the boundaries. Yoga also called as “Yog” means “Union with the Divine”. It is not for physical fitness or not a religion to follow.
The type of yoga to cure depression may not be the same for everyone; the best yoga can be decided depending on personality and personal preferences.
Kriya yoga is generally used to cure depression. In this there are several aspects meditation, visualization, devotion, mantra (inner sound) and utilizing concentration. One more aspect is the pranayama, the controlled use of breath. This is done to create the balanced stream Life energy inside the spinal column. There are various benefits of yoga. It generates energy, sharpens sensitivity, high lightens responsiveness and dissolves stress and anxiety and the best type of for depression. This yoga is very simple but is very powerful. This yoga should be done only with under the supervision of trained yoga teacher.
Another type of yoga useful in the treatment of depression anxiety and stress is Surya yoga (Solar yoga). Sun gazing, solar gazing, sun healing sun staring, Surya yoga or sun yoga all these refer to the same technique. Looking at the sun with open eyes is the basic principle in this. Of course it should be done by learning a well established technique. Doing it carelessly especially in the mid day can severely injure the eyes. If sun glazing is done properly then it is a powerful method to treat depression and for overall good health. The traditional surya yoga is a powerful method of transformation and stress release. It eliminates the negative feelings, cleans the body and creates positive energy, sense of power and calmness.
The next yoga for treatment of anxiety, depression and stress is the Pranayama, the Life force Control. In this there is willful use of breath is involved. Pranayama is called as breath control technique but Life force control is the more accurate description of pranayama. Prana means the life force and yama means control. The use of breath in a controlled way can change emotional, physical, mental and spiritual state of a human being.
Though yoga is very good for depression the meditation aspect is very difficult to teach to depressed individuals. Therefore chanting of “Om” and the breath practices help in keeping up the concentration and improve awareness. To achieve this rest and relaxation are important.
Related posts: