So we all know that yoga obviously does the body good, but
according to many studies it also has many benefits on the mind as well. On this post I want to address the
potential benefits of a regular yoga practice for those with mental illness.
Yoga has recently become such a cultural phenomenon that physicians
and researchers are having a difficult time differentiating legitimate claims
from hype. Recently, researchers from Duke University Medical Center explored
the effects of yoga on mental health by examining over 100 different studies.
It is well known that yoga can produce a calming effect.
It also can produce that “feel-good” feeling that people do after physical
exercise. But what else was interesting is that they found that yoga does in
fact have positive effects on mild depression, sleep problems, eating
disorders, and psychiatric disorders
such as schizophrenia and ADHD. It has also shown to help individuals
cope with the side effects of PTSD. The findings suggest that yoga may
influence brain chemicals such as serotonin, which is known to boost levels of
happiness. In addition, it can lower inflammation, reduce oxidative stress and
produce a healthier balance of lipids and growth factors.
Doctors have been encouraging yoga as a complementary treatment for
mental disorders for years. And while research is promising, it is not
recommended to replace their medications with a yoga practice. Rather,
researchers and doctors are encouraging patients to add it to their existing
treatments and take advantage of the shown benefits.
As a little added bonus I wanted to include 6 asanas to help cope
with depression or anxiety. Incorporate these warming, comforting poses into
your daily practice and enjoy!
-
childs pose
forward bend
legs up the wall
cat –cow pose
backbends
headstand
-Namaste
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