Mental health problems such as depression and anxiety are among the most common reasons for individuals to seek treatment with complementary therapies such as yoga, acupuncture or homeopathy.
Comprehensive research has now been carried out on the effectiveness of yoga, originally a complex system of spiritual, moral and physical practices aimed at attaining ‘self-awareness’.
The basis of much of Western yoga is ‘Hatha yoga’. Hatha yoga has 3 basic components: postures, breathing exercises and meditation. The controlled breathing helps to focus the mind and to achieve relaxation, while meditation helps to calm the mind.
There are, however, different forms of yoga interventions. Further studies should now try to identify which of these are most effective and what levels of severity of depression are likely to respond well. Also the compliance and motivation of the patient to participate proved to be important.
Yoga enjoys an international acceptance as a safe non-pharmacological treatment. If the results are further confirmed by new studies, it may become a useful option for the treatment of depression.
© Copyright 2007 Insight Journal Online Magazine.
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