The ankle to forehead stretch helps release tightness and constriction in your hip joints. This can lead to increased energy and a more positive outlook if you have been feeling "down" in any way.
Another of the 21 benefits that yoga offers that is discussed in the September 2013 issue of the Yoga Journal is its ability to alleviate depression. In recent years, researchers have been investigating the impact that a yoga practice can have to help dispel the dark moods of depression.
A Brown University psychologist has explored yoga as a type of moving meditation to which depressed people can more easily respond. Apparently, depressed people may find it difficult to practice a seated meditation because their minds tend to dwell on problems and negativity. However, because yoga involves physical movement, it may be easier for people experiencing depression to direct their attention off of their problems.
Also, in 2007, a small study conducted by UCLA researchers examined how yoga affected people who were clinically depressed and for whom prescribed antidepressants were providing only partial relief. A group of patients who practiced Iyengar Yoga three times a week reported significant drops in depression and anxiety.
Like meditation, yoga poses apparently increase the acitivty of the left prefrontal cortex-an area of the brain that is associated with positive moods and emotional resilience. Well, I am no scientist and cannot offer any professional opinion about this - I can speak only from personal experience! Doing yoga HAS gotten me out of funks on the few occasions that I have experienced waking up with the "blues."
From my totally unscientific, anecdotal viewpoint, I believe that yoga can act like a light beam to dispel the darkness of a sad mood because it helps to release tightness and stuck, constricted energy. At least for me, if I am feeling down but make sure I do my yoga practice anyway, the release of tension and constriction makes me feel more open and resilient. And my energy soars. As a result, within a few minutes or at most an hour or two, a blue mood will dissipate. It's been amazing.
Although I would never claim that yoga is a panacea for depression, it certainly is worth considering for anyone suffering from depression. I believe that opening and stretching your body and increasing your physical flexibility through yoga poses can open your mind to greater "possibility thinking" and positive solutions.
Yours for lifting your spirits with yoga,
Laura Venecia Rodriguez, the Beginner's Yoga at Home Coach
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