Yoga for Anxiety, Depression, & Neurological Disorders – A Research Review

Yogic Breathing Instruction in Patients with Treatment-Resistant Generalized Anxiety Disorder: Pilot Study.

This study looked at the efficacy of using yogic breathing techniques in patients with treatment-resistant generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) in a mental health services setting. 9 participating patients received yoga breathing training and practice for 12 weeks, in addition to their regular treatment. Assessments occurred before, after weeks 1, 2, and 6, and at the end. The 9 patients started out with moderate to severe anxiety symptoms and mild to moderate depressive symptoms. Their symptom severity reduced significantly over the 12 weeks, with some reporting that they were able to return to work. Of note, some reported initial skepticism about the effectiveness of using the breath for anxiety but persevered through the practice with benefits.

This research article does not include the breathing techniques that were used to work with anxiety. In LifeForce Yoga we first suggest burning off some of the energy with practices like movement, exercise, bouncing, Breath of Joy, etc. Once the mood has been met, we are more able to practice the techniques that work well. These practices include, exhaling longer than inhaling, mantra, Alternate Nostril with an emphasis on Left Nostril Breathing, Bee Breath, and yoga nidra. We have a two-part webinar series devoted to managing anxiety: Stress Busters!

Read the full study here: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6329222/

Feasibility of a group-based laughter yoga intervention as an adjunctive treatment for residual symptoms of depression, anxiety and stress in people with depression.

Laughter Yoga is a group-based practice that includes laughing (pretending to laugh), gentle stretching, rhythmic breathing, and meditation. This study aimed to look at the efficacy of Laughter Yoga for improving the mood, anxiety and stress symptoms in adults diagnosed with depression. 50 participants were randomized into a Laughter Yoga group (23) of eight sessions over four weeks, or a treatment as usual group (27). Assessments were taken at baseline, completion and at three months follow-up. The Laughter Yoga group had a statically greater decrease in depression and improvements in mental health compared to the control group.

Read the abstract here: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/30711868

Evidence based effects of yoga in neurological disorders.

This study was a review of all relevant research on yoga and neurological disorders, such as multiple sclerosis, stroke, epilepsy, dementia, etc. Of 700 articles published from 1963 to December 2016, 94 were included in the review. The researchers concluded that yoga could be considered an effective complementary treatment for people suffering from neurological disorders.

Many neurological disorders have a side effect of stress, anxiety, and/or depression. While yoga does not heal mood or neurological issues, a lot of the LifeForce Yoga practices can support the individual who is suffering. A practice like Alternate Nostril, Nādī Shodana, is excellent for balancing the mood and the energy and has no side effects.

Read the abstract here: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/28599839

About the Author

Rose Kress

Rose Kress ERYT-500, C-IAYT, YACEP, Owner/Director of the LifeForce Yoga Healing Institute, and author of Awakening Your Inner Radiance with LifeForce Yoga. She directs retreats and training programs on using LifeForce Yoga to manage your mood.

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