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Yoga For Anxiety Disorder And It's Health Benefits

Last Updated: Jan 15, 2025

Benefits of yoga for anxiety disorder

There are several ways in which an anxiety disorder can impact the life of a person. The effects of anxiety disorder not only impact the mind and body but the overall well-being of a person. The symptoms of anxiety disorder are often difficult to manage and can further reduce the quality of life of a person. Apart from medication and therapies a person may opt for the most natural form of treatment for anxiety disorder through yoga. It has been a well-documented fact that yoga comprises of several relaxation techniques which have a calming effect on a person. It is because of these calming effects that yoga has proven to be beneficial for people suffering from anxiety disorder. Anxiety disorder has many uncomfortable physical symptoms like feeling tension, pain sensitivity, and tightness.

These symptoms can be easily alleviated through yoga asanas. Besides the physical symptoms yoga also alleviates anxious and negative thinking patterns. Yoga allows the person suffering from anxiety disorder to be calm and composed. Studies conducted on people undergoing yoga therapy for anxiety disorder has indicated positive results with respect to the treatment of the disorder. Some of the yoga asanas which may help a person suffering from anxiety disorder are described below.

Yoga asanas for anxiety disorder

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Child’s Pose

The Child’s Pose helps relieve tension from the muscles of the neck, shoulders and the back. It calms the nervous system and helps relieve anxiety. You start with a kneeling position with the big toes of the two feet touching. Inhale deeply and exhale as you bend forward such that the top of your head touches the ground and place your palms on the ground. Hold this posture for as long as you can and slowly sit upright.
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Tree Pose

The tree pose helps enhance focus, concentration and helps relieve anxiety. Start by standing tall and then shift your weight on the right leg. Bend the left knee and bring the sole to the inside of the right thigh with the toes pointing towards the floor. Bring your hands together and inhale and exhale deeply. Hold this pose for 2-3 breaths and repeat for the other leg.
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Legs Up The Wall Pose

This yoga pose helps relieve pain from the lower back. It relieves discomfort arising from arthritis, menstrual cramps, and also reduces hypertension and anxiety. You need to start by aligning your body such that your legs are resting against the wall. Your lower body will be at right angles with your legs. Allow yourself to relax and you breathe in and out deeply.
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Bound Angle Pose

Start by sitting with your legs stretched straight in front of you. Inhale deeply and then exhale as you bend your knees and pull the heels of your feet towards the pelvis. Now drop the knees towards the sides and press the soles of the feet together. Keeping the feet firm on the ground, clasp the ankles with your hands. Hold this pose for 5 minutes and inhale and exhale deeply and gently.

Conclusion

Sometimes doing yoga regularly is not enough in people suffering from severe anxiety disorder. Yoga needs to be complemented with a proper nutritional diet which helps in keeping the mind healthy. Deficiency of Vitamin D can have an impact on the mental health of a person. Including foods rich in Vitamin D in the diet like soy milk and orange juice can improve the mood of a person.

Omega-3 fatty acids also must be incorporated as it is strongly associated with the overall mental health of a person. Foods such as salmon and trout can be included in the diet. Foods rich in potassium like pumpkin seeds and bananas help in reducing the symptoms of anxiety disorder. Including yogurt in the diet of a person pays rich dividends in having a positive impact on the health of the brain.

If a person is on medication for anxiety disorder then he/she should never forget to take their medicines as they play a pivotal role in the treatment of anxiety disorder. Getting completely cured of anxiety disorder involves taking medicines, eating a healthy diet, and doing yoga regularly. In some minor cases of anxiety disorder yoga in itself may be sufficient in providing relief to a person.

References

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    Written ByDr. Praveen ChaudharyMBBS,PGD IN ULTRAASONOGRAPHY,Non invasive cardiology course,MD - MedicineInternal Medicine
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    Reviewed ByDr. Bhupindera Jaswant SinghMD - Consultant PhysicianGeneral Physician
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