Medical science has known for some time now that non-medical interventions can sometimes alleviate medical conditions just as well as medical interventions. Exercise is a prime example of this. Regular physical exercise works better than medication when it comes to helping people maintain a healthy weight, in addition to reducing the likelihood of some chronic medical conditions. Another example is behavioral modification therapy, which can help people with obsessive compulsive disorder. As the name implies, this type of therapy focuses on modifying behavior as a treatment for some psychological conditions.
Similarly, there are a number of non-medical interventions that can help people with anxiety or depression. Both are unfortunately very common in American society. Worldwide, depression is the leading cause of disability in adults under the age of 45. Anxiety disorders, which include a number of different conditions, are the most common form of mental illness in the U.S. They are also treatable, but unfortunately only about 37% of Americans with anxiety disorders seek treatment.
Numerous studies suggest that yoga can help reduce stress and lessen exaggerated stress responses. For humans, stress isn’t only mental. Biological mechanisms are involved as well, and prolonged stress can increase inflammation and the long-term risk of developing chronic diseases like obesity, cardiovascular conditions, and gastrointestinal conditions. The regular practice of yoga can help reduce a person’s perceived stress levels, modulating the body’s internal stress response system. These same mechanisms can also help alleviate the symptoms of depression and anxiety disorders.
When it comes to good health, there is no magic bullet (although exercise and diet would come pretty close). Yoga alone may not be enough to cure someone’s depression or anxiety, and that’s okay. Different interventions, whether medical or not, work best for different people. If you’re struggling with anxiety or depression, the best course of action is to reach out to your doctor and ask for help. Together, the two of you can come up with a treatment plan that works best for you.
