Stress-related quickening of the heart rate and the shallow breathing that goes with it is due in part to the natural chemical reactions of our bodies nervous system. People under constant stress often suffer from a nearly perpetual state of "fight or flight" response, the heightened sense of tension that comes with iminent danger. While this serves an important role in evolution (having to run from a rampaging cave bear, perhaps) and still does today in certain circumstances, being in a constant state of tension leads to physical and emotional exhaustion, one of the results of which can be depression. Practicing yoga serves as a physical release for this tension, as does any exercise, by allowing us to manifest the "flight" response. In doing so, it releases chemicals called endorphins. Endorphins cause a natural physical "high," producing a feeling of powerfulness and well-being, a feeling that depressed people certainly need more of! By helping release endorphins, yoga can in a very real way help lift a mildly depressed person out of despair.
Besides helping in a physical sense, yoga offers mental benefits to depressed individuals as well. The ways in which yoga practice can aid in alleviating depression in a mental sense will be covered in part two of this article. (Due to be published 11/30).
Go To Page: 1 2
The copyright of the article Yoga and Depression: Part One - Page 2 in Yoga for Beginners is owned by . Permission to republish Yoga and Depression: Part One - Page 2 in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.
