Depression, no matter what causes it, can tremendously and negatively affect the life, emotions and mental state of any individual. Dr. Timothy McCall, writing an article for "Yoga Journal," states that yoga is a viable and effective treatment that helps reduce agitation, restlessness and states of clinical depression without resorting to drugs and medications. Treating depression through yoga and exercise, believed to be caused by low levels of serotonin in the brain, helps to increase levels of serotonin as well as enhance the production of endorphins by the pituitary gland and the body's very own pain reliever. Several specific yoga poses that increase circulation and provide relaxation for body, mind and soul have been practiced for thousands of years to help prevent and treat depression.
Child Pose
The child pose is a simple and very relaxing pose that helps bring blood and circulation to the brain, while promoting a sense of protection for the body. It involves kneeling on the floor, placing the forehead on the floor in front of you, reaching the arms back toward the feet or stretched out in front of you, whichever is most comfortable. A person should relax and breath slowly and evenly, thinking peaceful and soothing thoughts.
Lion Pose
The lion pose is a great stress reliever that helps get rid of agitated tension. It requires sitting on the knees on the floor with the feet behind you, arms stretched out in front of you on the floor, and the knees angling down toward the floor. Leaning forward, a person spreads the fingers of each hand, and opens the mouth and eyes and wide as possible. He then sticks the tongue out and down toward the chin. Next he exhales breath from the mouth from the back of the throat, making a quiet noise to emphasize a 'cleansing' of bad vibes, agitation, impatience or frustration.
Fish Pose
The fish pose helps flood blood into the brain, but may be difficult for those with lower or back issues. A person may bend the knees to help facilitate this move, or keep the legs lowered to the floor. The pose involves lying on the floor on the back and inhaling, while at the same time lifting the pelvis slightly off the floor. A person could place the hands beneath the buttocks, lifting the chin and upper torso upward, keeping the back of the of the head on the floor, but not placing too much weight on the back of the head. The chest should be lifted off the floor. A person should hold this position for about 15 seconds, breathing slowly and smoothly, then relaxing.
Warrior Pose
The warrior pose requires concentration and focus, and also contracts many muscle groups, encouraging the flow of oxygen to all parts of the body, warming and invigorating cells and muscles. A person should stand straight, arms at the sides. Then, she should take a giant step forward with the left leg while lifting both arms toward the ceiling, above the head. If possible, she should clasp the hands together. The rear foot should be turned slightly outward so that she does not strain the muscles of the rear leg. A person should try to maintain this position for about 30 seconds, inhaling and exhaling slowly and smoothly. A person should feel the energy flowing through the muscles, relax the mind and just concentrate on how the body feels. She should return to the starting position, and feel the warmth spreading through the body. The exercise should be repeated on the other side.
Corpse Pose
This is very relaxing and promotes peace and tranquility. A person should lie on the floor on the back, arms stretched down by the sides, palms up. He should close the eyes and picture every muscle in the body releasing and relaxing. A person should maintain this pose for at least five minutes, inhaling and exhaling slowly and with purpose.
