Recent medical studies have shown that a regular practice of yoga and meditation is effective at lowering levels of anxiety. Excessive anxiety can be alleviated through a slow, gentle yoga practice focusing on postures that calm the heart and the mind, balance the emotions, and release body tension.
Yoga Postures
Use our basic calming sequence or our beginning calming sequence as a general practice, and adding or emphasizing from our complete list of postures for Anxiety.
Pranayama
The practice of Dirga and Nadi Sodhana Pranayamas will be the most strongly calming to the body. If there is excess heat in the body, with symptoms of agitation, restlessness, impatience, craving, compulsions and poor sleep, then Sit Cari and Shitali pranayamas will be helpful as well.
Meditation
Meditation reduces stress, calms the mind and helps reduce thoughts of fear and worry. Use one of the following by itself and/or at the beginning and end of your yoga practice: Yoga Meditation, Heart Chakra Meditation, Mantra Meditation.
Articles
Yoga Therapy for Anxiety
The Anti-Drug for Anxiety
Worry Thwarts
Phobias: Yoga in the Treatment of Extreme Anxiety
Books and Videos
Yoga: the Path to Holistic Health
Yoga Therapy
Yoga for Wellness
Yoga RX
Web Resources
Anxiety and Panic Healing Center
NIMH Anxiety Disorders PDF booklet
Yoga is not a substitute for conventional western medication; please consult your medical professional before starting a yoga practice.
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