Thursday 30 May 2013

Yoga to Fight Depression and Anxiety

Yoga can be your gateway for your inner soul and effectively heal and rejuvenate it. Yoga is really a unique discipline which has been practiced in India since ancient periods.

It can't be regarded as a simple form of workout as it has a spiritual aspect too. Yoga not just makes way for a healthy body but a proper mind too. Read on to discover how yoga can help you combat depression and anxiety.

1. Breathing Exercises
Yoga includes a wide range of breathing exercises which combine body positions in addition to meditation. Padmasana or Lotus pose is among the practices in yoga which may be very beneficial to people suffering from depression. This asana involves relaxing in a cross-legged position with your hands sitting on the knees and your palms facing upward. Begin with meditating by closing your vision and concentrating on your breath. Breathe deeply and slowly and try to maintain a regular rhythm of breathing. Your chest should rise and stomach should compress whenever you breathe in and the opposite when you breathe out.

2. Sarvangasana
This asana is fantastic for regulating the thyroid gland which can help to reduce anxiety as well as anxiety. You can start by lying flat lying on your back and slowly your knees closer and to your chest. Then straighten out legs in upward direction so you feel pressure on your chin and chest. Then inside a fluid motion, raise your hips started while exhaling. You can support your hips with your hands. Your body should be vertical and straight as well as your chin should dip into your chest. Hold it for as long as you can and focus in your breathing. After completing the asana, restore your body to a lying position.

3. Bhujangasana
Also referred to as the cobra pose, this asana can relieve you against stress by regulating your thyroid and para-thyroid glands. Lie in your belly and keep your arms right beside the body. Now, with your arms before you and palms on the floor, arch your back and raise your torso. Avoid lifting your pelvis then apply straight out in front. Hold it for a few seconds and then relax the body back into a resting position. Continue doing this asana for a few minutes for as long as you're comfortable.

4. Balasana
This is a simple resting position which may be practiced almost any time when you're feeling stressed and even between asanas. Take a seat on your knees so that your hips touch your ankles. Then gently lean forward and continue until your forehead is sitting on the floor. Your arms should lie right beside your body with your palms facing upwards. Hold it as long as you are comfortable and focus in your breathing while doing so.

5. Viparita Karani
This really is one of the asanas which can be executed simply with the aid of a wall. Fairly good at dealing with depression, this yoga position enhances blood circulation to the brain. You can start simply by laying flat near a wall. Lift up your legs so that they are at the right angle to the body. You are able to take the help of the wall to aid your legs and with practice you may also do this asana without the help of a wall. Attempt to lift up your lower back and hold it for as long as you are comfortable.

6. Salabhasana
Also referred to as the Locust pose, this yoga posture can assist you to counter anxiety as well as lower back pain and digestion problems. Beginners may need a little bit of practice to perfect this pose because this position requires your body to become flexible. Lie flat in your stomach with your hands sitting on your sides. Lift up your chest and legs, so your body is in a curved position just like a bow. Raise your head so you are looking right ahead. The body weight should not be on your arms plus they should also be straight and suspended from your sides.

7. Shirshasana
This is an advanced yoga pose and just recommended once you are well-versed with yoga and also have adequate strength and flexibility within your body. Headstand, as this pose is also known, includes a relaxing and calming impact on your body and can help you to channel your time effectively. You can take the assistance of a wall for support, but it's best to execute this pose with no support. Place your head firmly on the mat with your hands wrapped around it. Begin by lifting your knees off the floor and extend them high, so your body is inverted and vertical.

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