Hour 74 Yoga Therapy – Immune System Disorders
Yoga Therapy for Immune System Disorders
Introduction
Autoimmune disorders are a category of diseases in which the body’s immune system mistakenly targets its own healthy tissues. This may result in inflammation, pain, and a host of systemic complications. In autoimmune diseases like rheumatoid arthritis (RA), ankylosing spondylitis (AS), and lupus, the immune system mainly attacks joints, causing stiffness, deformity, and functional impairment. Yoga therapy provides a holistic method of symptom management, enhancing joint mobility, and decreasing the stress that aggravates these diseases.
Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA)
Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune chronic disease in which the immune system targets the synovial membranes of the joints, leading to inflammation and damage to the joints. It usually involves the small joints of the hands, feet, and wrists.
Yoga’s Role in RA
Yoga has the potential to decrease inflammation, increase flexibility, and relieve chronic pain that people with RA endure. Yoga also assists in reducing stress and creating a feeling of mental well-being, which is important because stress can exacerbate symptoms.
Recommended Asanas:
Tadasana (Mountain Pose): This standing foundational pose assists in posture alignment and decreases stiffness in the hips and spine.
Setu Bandhasana (Bridge Pose): This posture enhances flexibility of the spine and pelvic area and strengthens the lower back and glutes.
Baddha Konasana (Bound Angle Pose): This posture is helpful for stretching the hips and inner thighs and relieves tension and stress around the hip joints.
Viparita Karani (Legs-Up-the-Wall Pose): This restorative posture assists in decreasing inflammation and increasing blood flow, bringing relief to fatigued and stiff joints.
Modifications:
Use props such as cushions or blocks under the knees in sitting poses for support.
Perform asanas slowly and carefully, taking care not to strain or overextend.
Rest frequently, particularly during flare-ups, to prevent irritating symptoms.
Ankylosing Spondylitis (AS)
Ankylosing spondylitis is a form of chronic inflammation that mainly impacts the spine and sacroiliac joints. It can over time result in fusion of the spine, making it less mobile. Yoga therapy for AS centers on preserving mobility of the spine, enhancing posture, and handling inflammation.
The Role of Yoga in AS
The emphasis is placed upon gentle stretching, strengthening, and breathing to enhance flexibility in the spine and muscles around it. Yoga also increases posture, minimizes pain, and improves the function as a whole.
Preferred Asanas:
Bhujangasana (Cobra Pose): This backbend helps in opening the chest, extending the spine, and boosting spinal extension, reversing the forward hunch that typically sets in AS.
Ardha Matsyendrasana (Half Lord of the Fishes Pose): This twist pose encourages spine flexibility and enhances lower back and hip mobility.
Salamba Sirsasana (Supported Headstand): With support, this pose can assist in enhancing spinal alignment and posture by enabling the spine to elongate in a different direction.
Utthita Trikonasana (Extended Triangle Pose): Stretches and strengthens the legs, back, and hips, as well as enhancing balance and stability.
Modifications:
Use a chair or wall for support during standing poses if balancing becomes a problem.
Prioritize slow, controlled movements to prevent overstraining the body.
During flare-ups, prioritize gentle stretches instead of deep postures that involve extreme back bending.
Lupus
Lupus is a systemic autoimmune illness that may involve the skin, joints, kidneys, and organs. It results in widespread inflammation and can be incapacitating. Patients with lupus frequently report fatigue, joint pain, and rashes on the skin.
The Role of Yoga in Lupus
Yoga provides a good method to decrease stress, which can cause flare-ups in people suffering from lupus. Yoga also aids in flexibility, decreasing fatigue, and relieving stiffness in joints. Yoga can induce a feeling of relaxation and enhance the quality of life.
Asanas to be followed:
Supta Baddha Konasana (Reclining Bound Angle Pose): A soothing stretch for hips and inner thighs, the pose induces relaxation and lessens fatigue.
Adho Mukha Svanasana (Downward-Facing Dog): Stretches gently the back, hamstrings, and calves, opening up the upper body, and releasing tension in the upper body.
Balasana (Child’s Pose): A resting pose that relaxes the body and quiets the nervous system. It may relieve pain in lower back, hips, and knees.
Ananda Balasana (Happy Baby Pose): This pose stretches the hips and releases tension in the lower back, which is beneficial for those with joint pain.
Modifications:
For severe fatigue, concentrate on restorative poses such as Savasana (Corpse Pose) or Viparita Karani, which offer deep relaxation without exertion.
For stiff joints, incorporate gentle movements and avoid poses that involve holding long stretches or deep flexions.
Adjust poses according to the intensity of the symptoms, especially during the times of flare-ups.
General Yoga Therapy Guidelines in Autoimmune Conditions
Breathing Exercises:
Pranayama exercises like Nadi Shodhana (Alternate Nostril Breathing), Ujjayi (Victorious Breath), and Bhramari (Bee Breath) can have a calming effect on the nervous system, decrease stress, and modulate the immune response.
Relaxation Exercises:
Practice of Savasana (Corpse Pose) or Yoga Nidra regularly can reduce fatigue, enhance the quality of sleep, and offer a profound sense of relaxation.
Therapeutic Approaches:
Always collaborate with the client’s medical team to make sure the yoga therapy augments medical treatment.
During flare-ups, practice restorative postures and restrict weight-bearing or stressful activities.
Encourage mindfulness and deep relaxation to assist the body’s stress response regulation.
Conclusion
Yoga therapy is a very effective practice for patients suffering from autoimmune diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, and lupus. With a mix of physical postures, breathing, and relaxation techniques, yoga provides a holistic method of treating pain, enhancing flexibility, alleviating inflammation, and enhancing mental health. By adjusting asanas in terms of individual requirements and maintaining smooth movements, yoga therapy has the potential to enhance quality of life significantly for those afflicted with such chronic illnesses.