The expert ruled out treating anxiety and depression with meditation and yoga
Meditation and yoga are not treatments for anxiety and depression, as they were not originally created as therapeutic practices. A practicing yogi and spiritual teacher Paramguru Ji told Izvestia about this on March 28.
According to the expert, with chronic anxiety, such practices can increase internal tension.
"Meditation and yoga are not a method of treating anxiety and depression, because they were originally created not as therapy, but as tools to expand perception," Paramguru explained.
The expert also noted that ancient yoga systems were created for people who already possess basic inner stability. Each asana (a certain fixed position of the body) had a specific purpose. For example, the cobra pose develops independence from external circumstances, and the dog pose enhances sensory perception of the environment.
"If you are experiencing severe anxiety, professional medical care should be a priority. Seek help where it is really possible — from a psychotherapist or a doctor," Paramguru added.
Paramguru suggested several steps for basic self-support of the condition. These include breathing with an extended exhalation, morning walks in the fresh air, a strict sleep and nutrition regime, as well as short mindfulness practices.
"Spiritual practices should not be turned into a cure for depression. The goals of medicine and therapy are to heal wounds and restore a person to solid ground. And only when this inner foundation is restored, yoga and meditation reveal their true essence. They become not a way to escape from pain, but a path to true freedom and deep knowledge of oneself," the expert concluded.
Candidate of Psychological Sciences Alina Koroleva shared ways to get rid of dark thoughts on March 7. According to her, it is worth not focusing on the negative, presenting it only as a black dot on a white piece of paper.
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