Yoga for Pain and Health

Are you a chronic pain sufferer? If so, perhaps you have arthritis or fibromyalgia, or some other chronic pain issue stemming from an injury or congenital defect. One of the best ways to keep your body limber and reduce inflammation and pain is to participate in some type of regular low-impact movement such as yoga.

Yoga is also great for people who remain sedentary for long periods of time due to occupational necessity. As yoga is a holistic approach to health, these exercises benefit many parts and systems of the body, it would be hard to list them all here. Some of the more notable that have been positively affected by yoga, are digestive disorders (such as IBS discomfort), energy levels, bone density, stamina, and endocrine, reproductive, and respiratory-related problems (asthma). Yoga is also well-known to have a positive affect on people who have high stress, heart disease, high blood pressure, or have had a stroke.

If you are new to yoga, here are some things to consider and practice:

• If you have a health condition that might be affected by physical movement, check with a knowledgeable health care practitioner first
• Always warm up first
• Start out slowly
• Do not push yourself into a position you are unable to hold; instead gradually work up to the position over a period of days or weeks
• Learn techniques from a qualified yoga instructor
• Drink plenty of fluids

For more information about yoga, visit Health & Yoga Community.