Yoga for depression - Ayurvedic management of depression

Are you constantly worried about your future and feeling sad for no reason? Are you lacking self-esteem and self-worth and repeatedly failing to accept yourself? Then you might wanna consider going through the signs of depression. Yoga has been for ages, considered a remedy for various mental health problems. It promotes blood circulation to the Brain and to the body. It balances the aggravated doshas of the body, relaxes and calms down the mindYoga along with a few lifestyle changes and herbal medications, depression and anxiety can be completely eradicated or treated. Depression or ‘Mano avasada’ can be an indication of low prana or life-force energy in your body. Balancing of which, with the help of yoga can help in the prevention and treatment of depression and other mental health diseases.

Signs of depression

Here are a few clinical symptoms of depression that are common amongst people:

1. Sadness And Feeling Low
2. Helplessness Suicidal Thoughts And Self-Harm
3. Lack Of Motivation
4. Low Self-Esteem
5. Weight Gain Or Weight Loss
6. Loss Of Pleasure In Joyful Activities
7. Constant Worry And Anxiety
8. Isolation From Friends And Family
9. Poor Digestion
10. Persistent low health
11. Sleeplessness or insomnia
12. Laziness and lethargy
13. Irritability and anger
14. Change an appetite
15. Aches and pains like headache, cramps, and upset stomach

Causes of depression

Depression and anxiety can be a result of a number of factors like a traumatic experience, drug or substance abuse, losing someone, or comparison with others but according to Ayurveda, depression can be caused by:

1. Aggravated Kapha
2. Tamasic Food
3. Excess Sleep (Nidradhikya)
4. Sedentary Life (Akarmana)
5. Grief (Arati)
6. Fear (Bhaya)
7. Intake Of Incompatible Food (Viruddhahara)

When viewed through the Ayurvedic lens depression is defined as an imbalance of kapha which causes heaviness, sadness, bad mood, and low energy, which are a few symptoms of kapha increase in the body. At the same point, there are three types of depression on the basis of dosha imbalances in the body, kapha depression, pitta depression, and vata depression.

Yoga for depression

Regular practice of yoga can effectively reduce the symptoms of depression and anxiety and hence, promote positive mental health and physical healthHere are a few yoga postures and pranayamas to help combat depression:

Tree Pose (“Vrksasana”)

It naturally helps the body to cool off and balance the doshas of the body along with the fight-flight response. It can show effective changes in the mental well-being of a person and therefore, fight depression and other mental health issuesTree Pose or Vrksasana Directions:

• • Bring hands closer to your hips and shift weight onto your left foot
  • Slowly put your right foot on your left knee and raise your hands above joining the palms
  • Fix your focal point at something in front of your eyes to maintain balance breathe deeply for 5 to 7 minutes

Reclining Bound Angle Pose (“Supta Baddha Konasana”)

It helps the body to relax and calm down, treats headaches, and insomnia, and relieves tension and stress.Reclining Bound Angle Pose or Supta Baddha Konasana Directions:

• • Lie on the back with your knees bent
  • put your hands on the floor, palm facing the floor
  • slowly bring your feet closer and arch your back

Mountain Pose (“Tadasana”)

It is an excellent yoga posture for your body and your mind. it helps in grounding yourself and calming the mindMountain Pose or Tadasana Directions:

• • Stand Tall, Place Your Feet About A Hip-Distance Apart
  • Inhale And Raise Your Arms Over Your Head
  • Repeat It For Three To Five Breaths

Low Lunge (“Anjaneyasana”)

It removes the physical stresses in your body, helps in calming down, and improves mental focus.Low lunge or Anjaneyasana Directions:

• • Step Your Right Foot Forward And Left Foot Behind
  • Lower Your Knee, Lift Your Torso, and Adding Pressure On Your Glutes
  • Stay In That Position For Three To Five Breathes

Knees to Chest Pose (“Apanasana”)

It helps in reducing back pain and coming down the body, and removes physical stresses and tension.Knees to Chest Pose or Apnasana Direction:

• • Lie Down On Your Back
  • Bring Your Knees Closer To Your Chest
  • Stay In The Position And Breathe

Humble Warrior Pose (“Baddha Virabhadrasana”)

It is a very popular pose to increase balance in your body, helps in improving focus and concentration, and bringing back lost mental capabilitiesHumble Warrior Pose or Baddha Virabhadrasana Directions:

• • Put Your Right Foot Forward Left Foot Back
  • Lengthen Your Torso Breathe In
  • Bring Your Head Down To Your Knee And Raise Your Hands Up Above
  • Hold For Three To Five Breathes

Standing Forward Bend Pose (“Uttanasana”)

This pose helps in releasing tension in the body and the mind, improves flexibility, brings balance, and fights episodes of depression and anxietyStanding Forward Bend Pose or Uttanasana Directions:

• • Stand Up Straight
  • Bend Down
  • Bring Your Head Closer To Your Knees
  • Touch The Floor

Note from Ayurheals:

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