Yoga is a powerful antidote for the symptoms associated with
anxiety and depression. With a regular practice of asana
(poses) and pranayama (breathing) many of these symptoms
can be alleviated and our lives can be brought back to a
restorative place. Anxiety and Depression often leaves us
unsettled, full of worry, fear and apprehension. The effects of
these emotions have an impact on every part of our day.
So how does yoga help? In a nutshell, it heals our nervous
system. The nervous system for those suffering from the
effects of anxiety and depression is maxed out, fried up and
struggling to find balance. These 2 forms of yoga have been
proven time and again to have immense restorative benefits.
The most
powerful antidote possible to anxiety and depression is one
we all carry with us each second of every day; our own breath.
The breath is a magic elixir for stimulating the
parasympathetic nervous system which is the answer to
restorative pacifying calm. Here is a quick science
explanation of how the breath offers us those feelings. As
those unsettling symptoms begin to arise in us our breathing
becomes short and rapid. This leads to oxygen building up in
our bloodstream while lowered amounts of carbon dioxide
are present. This very much upsets the ph levels in our blood
resulting in respiratory alkalosis. Respiratory alkalosis creates
irritability, muscle twitching, nausea, confusion and
lightheadedness……how can anyone focus on the rest of life
happening around them when their bodies are in turmoil?
Simply put, they can’t and this then leads to chronic issues
and depression. Pranayama or yogic breathing is a tradition
that dates back 5000 years and has proven to be immensely
effective at regulating and healing the nervous system…..By
slowing and regularizing our breathing we instantly engage
the parasympathetic nervous system (PNS). This leads to
raised carbon dioxide levels and brings the ph level in the
blood to a healthier state. The vagus nerve is stimulated and
begins to secrete acetylcholine which then reduces the heart
rate and restores all efficient organ function throughout our
entire body. Boom! there it is, peace…..
First of all, what
is restorative yoga not? Boring, and slow…..restorative yoga is
anything but boring and slow let’s just clear that up straight away.
Even the most active flow minded yogi can benefit from the deep
therapeutic effects of restorative yoga and see the benefits to their
regular practice. Restorative yoga increase flexibility and releases
tense muscles by purging out built up negative energy in the
muscles. We can all benefit from a restless mind, especially those
suffering from anxiety and depression. Restorative yoga is a form
of therapy and meditation that you will eventually carry off your
mat and into your life. You’ll have the tools with you that can quiet
that monkey mind and spark calm. Restorative yoga heals the body
by activating the PNS. Body healing comes from a ideal regulated
heart rate, intestinal activity and organ function. Overtime the
negative effects from anxiety and depression lessen. Restorative
2
October 23, 2017
yoga induces emotional healing by digging up buried negative
emotions from our tissues and soul, they come to the surface to be
released. We can all notice and benefit from a boost to our
immunity which will come from body healing. There are amazing
benefits that can be reaped from restorative yoga and they all are
within our own power and control. This investment we can all
make to ourselves has countless positive effects in battling
symptoms of anxiety and depression and simply leading to a
grander life. Treat yourself and experience this magic elixir bring
you back home to yourself