Yoga is reaching the survivors of the Rwandan genocide and helping to heal their depression and physical pain.

Used for centuries to treat everything from burns and wounds to malaria and sleep disorders, St. John’s wort is perhaps best known as a treatment for mild to moderate depression. While it is not prescribed for such purposes in the United States, it is widely prescribed to treat less-severe depression in Europe, an area of the world that has also conducted a couple of dozen studies on the herb that back up its reputation as an effective mild/moderate antidepressant. A recent study published in the online edition of The British Medical Journal seems to indicate that St. John’s wort can also be effective in treating more severe depression, with many fewer side effects than traditional antidepressant medications.

When most Westerners think of yoga, they are usually thinking of Hatha Yoga. Hatha Yoga is a simple yoga that is practiced throughout the West. It utilizes slow-paced stretching, simple breathing exercises and may include seated meditation. While very much physical in nature, it is a relaxed physical, and is a good way for beginners to become introduced to yoga and become familiar with its basic poses and relaxation techniques.

Researchers at the University of Duh! have published a study showing that yoga can help those struggling with anxiety and depression.