New Delhi: Yoga and Pranayam, the two traditional forms of disciplines being practiced in India since time immemorial to keep one's body and mind healthy, have got backing from none other than Harvard University, which counts these as some of the best natural methods to keep depression at bay.
According to Associate Consultant, Mental Health and Behavioural Science, Artemis Dr Askshay Kumar, 'Yoga, Pranayam, meditation and physical activities, besides relaxing the mind and the body, are great methods to beat depression.'Studies at Harvard University have documented that when we exercise, serotonin, a mood regulator is produced, this helps as depression is associated with low levels of serotonin.
'Even medication works on increasing serotonin -yog and physical exercise is a natural method of producing serotonin in the body. A Harward study has quantified 15 minutes of exercise three times a week is enough to produce optimum levels of serotonin in the body.
'Besides serotonin, BDNF and Oxytocin levels are also regulated and cortisol hormone also decreases through these activities, so there is scientific basis why doctors recommend Yoga and Pranayam for those suffering with psychological ailments.”
Dr Akshay was speaking at a recently-organised webinar ‘Depression management and Treatment', organised by ASSOCHAM.He listed some physical symptoms that can be considered red flags, as far as depression is concerned.(UNI)