Yoga for Depression

Yoga practitioners are of the belief that yoga is the separation of one’s self from source. The postures, meditation and breathing exercises that are involved in Yoga, helps in building positive mental health. Through regular practice of yoga, the barriers that separate one’s self from source will be stripped off. Patanjali, in his Yoga sutras, state that the inner obstacles in the mind, lead to mental distraction, which further leads to depression. These can be removed through Pranayama, Asanas and meditation.
Meditation and yoga postures, help in finding the root cause of depression, increasing blood circulation and eliminating lethargy which is often associated with depression. However, individuals suffering severe depression and other mental disorders should be treated by medical professionals, and yoga practice can be used as a supplementary therapy.  
The following relaxation exercises helps in relieving symptoms of depression. They can be tried lying in the Corpse Pose. Tighten the muscles of the knees, ankles, feet, calves and toes while simultaneously inhaling through nose, hold on and exhale and relax. Then tighten abdomen, thighs, hips and pelvis, while inhaling simultaneously and relax and exhale. Next tighten the muscles of neck, arms, shoulders, waist, elbows, chest, hands and fingers and then relax and exhale. Finally, beginning with the scalp, head and face, tighten all the muscles of the body, while simultaneously inhaling, hold on and then relax and exhale with a feeling that all the tension has evaporated away from the body.  
Pranayama (In particular Ujjayi Pranayama) is also a recommended therapy for depression. Certain other Yoga Asanas like The Bow pose, Corpse Pose, Sun Salutation, Shoulder Stand, Plow Pose, Vajrasana are also recommended for alleviating depression.