| Yoga helps alleviate depression by increasing brain | | | | depression). |
| chemicals that contribute to a natural physical high. | | | | It is important for people who suffer from |
| Through the release of these chemicals, a depressed | | | | depression to concentrate on the breath, especially |
| person can be lifted out of despair to feel more | | | | while practicing yoga. There is an effective breathing |
| energized and cheerful. The most beneficial yoga | | | | technique called the fourfold rhythm of the breath. |
| postures for depression are inverted poses. | | | | The cycle is comprised of 4 phases: |
| The reason is that inverted yoga poses increase the | | | | 1. Inhalation |
| flow of blood, oxygen and glucose to the brain. This | | | | 2. Full retention - the phase that comes after inhaling |
| facilitates the production of dopamine (associated | | | | and before exhaling. This phase does not even last a |
| with pleasure and reward), serotonin (regulates | | | | second |
| emotion, sleep and appetite) and noradrenaline (linked | | | | 3. Exhalation |
| to arousal and alertness). People with depression are | | | | 4. Dead time - also known as empty retention - |
| known to have lower levels of these chemicals in | | | | comes after the exhalation and before the following |
| their brain. Through yoga these neurotransmitters are | | | | inhalation |
| boosted, easing symptoms of depression and | | | | The fourfold rhythm of the breath is both calming |
| anxiety. | | | | and energizing. It helps take in more oxygen and |
| In addition, inverted poses can help eliminate | | | | remove more carbon monoxide, thus improving brain |
| underlying causes of depression. If practiced regularly, | | | | activity and the release of natural feel good brain |
| the shoulder stand, for example, helps regulate the | | | | chemicals. |
| thyroid. Correcting under-activity or over-activity of | | | | It is recommended for those who suffer from |
| the thyroid helps maintain calmness and weight. The | | | | depression to spend more than twenty minutes a |
| shoulder stand is also known to eliminate congestion | | | | day exercising. Practicing yoga postures is a gentle |
| in the lower abdomen, reduce varicose veins, shrink | | | | form of exercise that helps people proactively |
| hemorrhoids and aid constipation (which can cause | | | | manage depression and other chronic problems. |