Whether you’re suffering from depression, anxiety, PTSD, or some other mental illness, yoga can serve as an important tool to overcome these obstacles. In this tutorial, John Campbell, an assistant professor of religious studies at the University of Virginia, and a longtime Ashtanga yoga teacher and practitioner, explains the biophysiological and psychological benefits of yoga. While Campbell acknowledges that yoga alone should not be considered a sufficient cure for depression or other mental disorders, he does express how this practice can compliment other treatments and even advance the recovery process. Scientific research has found that practicing yoga can increase the levels of dopamine, serotonin, oxytocin, and other hormones that aid in depression-relief and modulating the bodies stress response systems.

Related: 16 Incredible Stories of Healing Through Yoga

 

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