The conventional approach to treating various mental problems such as conflicts, depression, schizophrenia and complexes include counseling and psychoanalysis besides prescription of medications, which, in certain cases, serve only to aggravate the problem. A clue as to why such approach backfires is found in three consecutive aphorisms of Patanjali in his Yoga Sutras (2, 46-48). He observes that even deep-rooted mental ailments including conflicts can be rooted out through postures (asana), performed with comfort and awareness. The resultant positive mental formations neutralize the negative ones in the same way as an alkali would neutralize a burning acid. This process is, in fact, the practical application of Patanjali’s own injunction (2, 33) of generating country feelings when the mind is afflicted by damaging influences.

The starting point is thus the right and effective physical activity/posture. William James too, pointing out to this need, notes, “by regulating action, which is under the more direct control of the will, we can indirectly regulate the feeling, which is not.” Indeed acting zestfully and in a manner one would if he were cheerful and harmonious would superimpose upon the mind such related thought patterns and thus also the attendant reactions! Aerobics, brisk walking and dynamic extroversion-oriented activities would help to achieve this purpose.

For those suffering from depression or related mental problems, experienced yoga teachers too prescribe performance of dynamic asana including brisk suryanamaskara (salutation to the sun, done in 12 postures). This would, in such cases, be more effective than static postures and also meditation, which could often introvert the mind even more leading to greater problems.

Theodore Roosevelt, a former US President, who braved many tragedies and trials declared, “I wish to preach not the doctrine of ignoble ease but the doctrine of a strenuous life”, while Tennyson sang, “I should lose myself in action lest I wither in despair.”

Herbert Spencer was right when he stated that few seem conscious that there is such a thing called physical morality. It would perhaps be desirable to shift from treating mental problems through conventional techniques to laying greater stress on the needed physical activities, in the manner noted above.