Objective: Orphaned children are often found to be in a chronic state of anxiety, depression and ill health that worsens into adulthood. The complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) practice of yoga holds promise as a non-invasive, cost effective, safe and non-pharmacological approach to child mental and physical wellbeing. The purpose of this preliminary study was to evaluate the effectiveness, feasibility, and acceptability of 8-week yoga intervention to reduce anxiety and depression symptoms among children living in orphanages. Methods: In this single group pre-post study, adolescent girls (n=32) who were permanent residents of an orphanage, diagnosed with anxiety and depression were subjected to 8 week yoga intervention. The yoga intervention module for anxiety and depression validated at NIMHANS, Bengaluru comprised of Asana (yogic postures), Pranayama (yogic breathing practices), Meditation, QRT, and DRT (yogic relaxation techniques), Krida yoga (yogic games), and Bhajan sessions (singing of devotional and inspiring songs). Hospital anxiety and depression scale (HADS) was used to measure anxiety and depression symptoms at baseline and at the culmination of the study. Results: Participation in 8-week yoga intervention resulted in significant reduction in anxiety and depression symptoms. (Wilcoxson signed rank test, p = .000) Conclusion: This study suggests that the 8-week yoga practice reduces anxiety and depression in orphaned adolescent girls. Yoga programs of this kind facilitate the wellbeing of our youth thereby creating peace within the community.
