Effect of Integrative Yoga and Naturopathy-based Intervention on Depressive symptoms among middle-aged women: A Case Report

Depression is one of the most prevalent mental illnesses, with around 25% of women having experienced at least one depressive episode during their lifetime. In the present study, a 38-year-old woman with chief complaints of a sad mood, poor concentration, feelings of excessive guilt, and decreased interest in household activities. She was diagnosed with depressive disorders in the year 2021, and she was recommended to follow conventional medications. However, a few years later, during her relapse phase, she was referred to be admitted to JSS Nature Cure & Yoga Hospital with a specific protocol at the residential facility between May and June 2024. An integrative Yoga and Naturopathy (Y&N) treatment was administered for about three weeks, which included manipulative therapy, acupuncture, hydrotherapy, mud therapy, diet therapy, yoga therapy, and mind-body interventions. Results showed a better reduction in depression, and she has gained confidence in her social interactions. Patients reported improved quality of life (QoL) and mental status with no side effects. The results of this study indicate clinical significance for depression, and it suggests that integrative Y&N-based intervention can be a convenient strategy for depression. However, further studies are required to validate this effect.