Does Yoga Reduce Depression?

Consistent exercise has been shown to help manage symptoms of depression. But some types of exercise are more effective than others.  Yoga, which is a combination of mental and physical exercises, has been shown to be an effective treatment option for a variety of mental health issues. A meta-analysis of 215 studies compared how a variety of forms of exercise reduce depression. The different types of exercise included walking, running, yoga, strength training, tai chi, and aerobic exercise. The researchers also reviewed the effectiveness of a combination of exercise and antidepressant medications.

What Does the Research Show?

The researchers discovered that for individuals using only exercise to treat their depression, the most effective types were walking, running, yoga and dance. The individuals who combined an exercise approach with talk therapy the most effective included yoga and tai chi. Participants taking antidepressant and exercising had better outcomes than those who only took medication.

Yoga Decreases Depression and Anxiety

Current guidelines for treating mental health disorders recommends a physical activity treatment in addition to first line treatment modalities such as antidepressants.  Mindfulness-based yoga effectively prevents and reduces symptoms of depression and anxiety.  It can improve mental health and is a non-medical, low-cost treatment to use in conjunction with traditional psychological approaches.

Kid’s Yoga in Prairie Village

At Mindful Child Wellness and Aerial Yoga in Prairie Village, we use yoga and mindfulness in our aerial yoga classes, aerial yoga camps, and in occupational therapy sessions.  We review the research to use evidence-based practices so that children receive the best treatment possible.

References

Yang Y, Cao D, Lyu T, Gao W. Meta-analysis of a mindfulness yoga exercise intervention on depression – based on intervention studies in China. Front Psychol. 2023 Dec 11;14:1283172. doi: 10.3389/fpsyg.2023.1283172. PMID: 38148781; PMCID: PMC10750402.

Wu Y, Yan D, Yang J. Effectiveness of yoga for major depressive disorder: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Front Psychiatry. 2023 Mar 23;14:1138205. doi: 10.3389/fpsyt.2023.1138205. PMID: 37032928; PMCID: PMC10077871.