Yoga breathing has been used to enhance wellbeing and as a therapeutic tool to treat disease and depression for many years. In yoga, the health giving and therapeutic potency of breath control, is explained in terms of its ability to influence life force (Prana) and also to calm the nervous system and reduce stress.
Scientific studies specifically on pranayama (yoga breathing control) have indicated that pranayama may be of benefit in the following conditions,
• depression
• heart disease,
• asthma,
• non-insulin dependent diabetes,
• epilepsy,
• obsessive compulsive disorder and
• insomnia
There are also a number of more recently developed Western breathing therapies that are similar to Yoga breathing which are used to treat a wide range of depression and other disorders. There is a growing body of scientific evidence for the effectiveness of some of these breathing therapies in a range of diseases including asthma, heart disease, anxiety and depression.
The effectiveness of yoga breathing therapies for depression and psychological conditions has also been shown in several studies.
In major depression, both resonant frequency biofeedback and modern yoga breathing techniques appear to be effective. People with anxiety and panic disorder also show beneficial response to mindfulness and other breathing therapy protocols.
TRY THIS Yoga Breathing exercise
Deep yoga breathing exercise for depression
Sit comfortably, close your eyes and feel your body becoming still.
Then focus on your breath, feel your breath in and out of your nose.
Start to feel your breath going right down into your belly, even put your hand on your belly and feel it rising and falling.
Take bigger longer and fuller breaths than usual and stay with this for 2 minutes.
If you are interested in learning more about yoga breathing for depression and learning why breathing is such a powerful tool for healing, contact The Business of Yoga for information and practical classes giving you techniques and effective strategies. We come to your workplace, school or private home and teach yoga breathing for depression, giving you tools to use in everyday life.
info@thebusinessofyoga.com.au
