Chronic Pain sufferers deal with pain most of the time with no relief. With awareness, the gentle movements of Yoga can relieve some of that pain. Studies have shown that a Yoga practice can reduce the amount of pain in people who suffer from fibromyalgia, arthritis, chronic back pain and many other painful ailments. Chronic pain carries anxiety and frustration with it because we constrict our breathing when we feel pain.
Even with the popularity of Yoga today, some of you may think of a bunch of old men wearing sheets and sitting in pretzel poses. The actuality is that if you can simply calm your breathing, you can reduce the anxiety associated with chronic pain (and you can wear any comfortable clothing that you choose – no sheets required). Once you can relax a little, you can generate some healing properties into painful areas and the focused energy and blood flow can often reduce some of the pain.
Can Yoga cure you? We won’t go that far, but wouldn’t it be worth it to try to alleviate some of the pain? Let’s look a little more into some specific analogies.
Fibromyalgia is a condition that gives you widespread chronic pain in your muscles and even into your ligaments and tendons. It is described as a deep ache with trigger point areas that are more painful when touched. Basically ~ everything hurts and you can experience extreme fatigue.
Arthritis sufferers also have chronic pain. The sharp intense pain associated with arthritis can make you want to reject all movement. But people who live with this pain know that movement is essential. Unless your arthritis is severe, exercise is recommended for people with arthritis due to decreased strength and endurance. You may not want to practice first thing in the morning when pain is sometimes at its worst, but later in the day, once your joints have warmed up a bit, a gentle Yoga practice could be the best form of exercise for you.
There are studies that recently revealed that Yoga can help with chronic back pain. Practicing restorative types of Yoga, such as Iyengar Yoga, can help with posture, range of motion, and reducing recovery time from injury.
Chronic back pain patients need to focus more on alignment, using props such as blankets and blocks to achieve some of the poses. The muscle strengthening and lengthening should be practiced slowly while focusing on the breath-work. The same benefits previously discussed will provide relief with stress, anxiety, frustration and depression.
Even slow strength improvements can make a big difference with chronic pain. If Yoga training can be a comfortable form of exercise why not try it? Awareness of your body and adjustments are important while practicing Yoga, but that awareness can carry into your everyday life. Being aware of breath constriction and adjusting as necessary can ease some discomfort ~ even while you are not practicing.
As always, please check with your doctor before beginning any exercise program. If he or she thinks Yoga could provide some relief to you, have an open mind and breathe into your Yoga practice.
Namaste,
Peace to you.
By Kathi Duquette
Certified Yoga Instructor
Certified Personal Trainer
Click here too see our online Yoga Nidra teacher training course.
Are you an experienced teacher looking for YACEP credits or continuing education?
Subscribe to Our Newsletter for Special Discounts and New Products
Related Resources
The YOGA MIND:
52 Essential Principles of Yoga Philosophy to Deepen your Practice
by Rina Jakubowicz.
RESTORATIVE YOGA FOR LIFE:
A Relaxing Way to De-stress, Re-energize, and Find Balance
by: Gail Boorstein Grossman.
YOGA: THE PATH TO HOLISTIC HEALTH
by B.K.S. Iyengar
TEACHING YOGA: Essential Foundations and Techniques
By Mark Stephens