Using Yoga to Manage Chronic Pain
Yoga is a form of exercise and meditation that has proven to be popular among men and women of all ages. While many engage in yoga in order to relieve stress, get a workout, and meditate, there have also been a number of other types of benefits, including extensive benefits of using yoga as a way to cope and help chronic pain including fibromyalgia, lower back pain, and osteoarthritis.
For those suffering from these types of chronic pain, regular yoga classes may provide much needed relief, for instance:
1. Yoga and fibromyalgia
Recently, a number of studies have been conducted and has supported the idea that those with fibromyalgia may benefit from yoga. There are a variety of areas in which regular yoga may help with managing fibromyalgia. For example, some people experience a reduction in fatigue and fatigue related conditions, such as fibromyalgia. Meditation during yoga can assist with various symptoms such as sleep disturbances and depression. The movements in yoga can also assist in flexibility and muscle movements, assisting in managing fibromyalgia and other neurological disorders.
2. Yoga for arthritis
Osteoarthritis is caused by a breakdown in cartilage, which provides a cushion between different bones, which can cause pain and stiffness. Movement can assist with joints staying flexible, and low-impact activities such as yoga are perfect to improve strength and flexibility, and also can help reduce stress. Participating in yoga for arthritis can result in reduced pain in addition to other benefits.
3. Yoga for endometriosis
Endometriosis can result in blockages and pain when endometrial tissue travels outside of the uterus. Various aspects of yoga can assist with that pain. For example, certain breath exercises can be used to help in calming the nervous system. Meditation can assist during a rise in pain. Focusing on certain poses and physical postures can also help with endometriosis pain.
4. Yoga for TMJ dysfunction
While not as common as some other types of chronic pain, temporomandibular joint dysfunction, or TMJ dysfunction, can lead to significant pain in the neck, jaw, and head areas. When done regularly, certain yoga poses that focus on these areas can assist in relieving the pain felt in these areas. It is most helpful to engage in a series of different poses that focus on these areas to relax and refocus the alignment of these areas, which can help correct the problem that is causing the pain.
5. Yoga for other types of chronic pain
The flexibility, meditation, and stress relief that comes from yoga can help in other areas, such as in low back pain, migraines, and other sorts of lasting chronic pain. There are many opportunities for holistic yoga studies that are knowledgeable about different methods to focus on certain areas that are particularly helpful in aiding in relief for specific types of chronic pain. By engaging in yoga, those who suffer from chronic pain can take advantage of a natural remedy to lessen the pain they are feeling while engaging in a healthy, relaxing activity.