YOGA AS THERAPY

योगाङ्गाऽनुष्ठानादशुद्धिक्षये ज्ञानदीप्तिराविवेकख्यातेः॥२.२८॥

YOGA AS THERAPY

योगाङ्गाऽनुष्ठानादशुद्धिक्षये ज्ञानदीप्तिराविवेकख्यातेः॥२.२८॥

CHRONIC CONDITIONS

A chronic condition is described as a long term (more than 3 months) persisting illness or condition (syndromes, physical impairments, disabilities or some infectious diseases).

examples of Chronic conditions

Asthma
Acquired immunodeficiency syndrome
Autoimmune diseases (allergy, atopy, rheumatoid arthritis, multiple sclerosis, Crohn’s disease etc.)
Cancer
Cardiovascular diseases
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
Chronic pain syndromes
Deafness and hearing impairment
Degenerative syndromes
Diabetes mellitus
Disorders of digestive system (constipation, acidity etc.)
Endometriosis
Epilepsy
Hepatitis C
HIV (AIDS)
Hypertension
Hypothyroid & Hyperthyroid disease
Migraine
Obesity
Osteoarthritis
Osteoporosis
Rheumatoid arthritis
etc.

Risk factors

There are multiple factors which can cause the chronic disease outbreak. The biggest impact is having the health damaging behavior such as:

unhealthy diet
lack of physical activity
bad sleeping habits
high stress level
use of addictive substances (alcohol, tobacco, drugs).

Yoga therapy for chronic conditions

Use of yoga therapy in cases of chronic illnesses has been proven as very beneficial.

Proper asana and pranayama practice can reduce stress, anxiety, and fatigue in people living with chronic illness which has a direct impact on immune function improvement. Within the framework of yoga therapy the client is taught about self-management and how to maintain healthier life style according to his/her condition and body type.

Every yoga therapy program is continuously observed and regularly assessed by the Yoga therapist. This method is keeping the yoga healing program updated according to actual student’s needs, prevents the condition worsening and helping to lower the doses of medication.

CANCER MANAGEMENT

Cancer is described as disease that results when cells start dividing uncontrollably. Uncontrolled growth of the cells can lead to the tumor formation, damaging the immune system or other impairment which can be fatal. Cancerous cells are using oxygen and nutrients that would usually nourish other cells and they can spread over the body and cause metastasis in other tissues and organs. Once cancer is diagnosed the patient requires a special and usually long-term treatment which can include chemotherapy, radiotherapy and surgery. The patients has to face not only the cancer itself accompanied with psychological issues, but also the treatment itself which can have devastating impact on the patient’s health.

YOGA THERAPY for the cancer management

Yoga is one of the suggested therapeutic activities which are helping to overcome the painful treatment regimens, exhausting post-treatment phases, body weakness, stress, anxiety and emotional trauma. It can come into picture during the diagnosis, treatment and post cancer management.

Yoga therapy helps to:

reduce the side effects of the radiations and chemotherapy
reduce insomnia and improve the quality of sleep
decrease the cancer-related fatigue
restore the physical condition
regain the lost appetite
decrease the pain
overcome and manage the stress
reduce emotional distress
reduce the anxiety associated with cancer
lead the patient back to normal life
regain the lost confidence thus increases the chance to overcome the disease and prevent the re-occurrence of the illness.

REPRODUCTIVE SYSTEM DISORDERS

Problems associated with reproductive can be divided into 3 groups.

1) Diseases of the female reproductive system

>> Cancer affecting

Ovaries
Fallopian tubes
Cervix
Uterus,
Vagina
Vulva
Breasts

>> Menstrual disorders such as:

primary or secondary Amenorrhea (absent menstrual periods),
Dysmenorrhea (severe and frequent menstrual cramps and pain during the period),
Menorrhagia (heavy and prolonged menstrual bleeding),
Polymenorrhea (too frequent periods), oligomenorrhea (infrequent or light periods),
Metrorrhagia (any irregular, non-menstrual bleeding occuring between menstrual periods),
Premenstrual syndrome (PMS),
Premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD),
Post-menopausal bleeding

>> Endometriosis

>> Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)

>> Polycystic ovarian disease (PCOD)

>> Primary ovarian insufficiency (premature ovarian failure)

>> Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID)

>> Prolapsed uterus

>> Uterine fibroids

>> Polyps in the pelvic cavity

>> Hormonal imbalance

>> Sexually transmitted diseases (STD)

2) DISEASES OF THE MALE REPRODUCTIVE SYSTEM

>> Penile, testicular and prostate cancer

>> Erectile dysfunction

>> Enlarged prostate or benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH)

>> Prostatitis

>> Varicocele or dilated veins around testicle

>> Hydrocele or fluid around testicle

>> Testosterone deficiency

>> Sexually transmitted diseases (STD)

3) Infertility

Infertility is defined as a couple’s inability to conceive after one year of unprotected intercourse. It can be caused by numerous conditions in one or both partners or a combination of circumstances.

Female infertility can be caused by:

anovulation (failure to ovulate)
oligoovulation (very irregular ovulatory cycles)
blockage of the Fallopian tubes
thyroid, pituitary, adrenal, or ovarian disease which may interfere with ovulation
inability of successful delivery of a child

Male infertility can be caused by:

no sperm production (azoospermia)
very low sperm production (oligospermia)
abnormal sperm cells production
obstruction of the passageways for sperm
abnormally low thyroid or high adrenal secretion
varicocele
lifestyle factors (diet, physical activity, use of alcohol or drugs, smoking etc.)

Risk Factors of infertility for both sexes:

age
drinking of alcohol, smoking, drug use
overweight or obesity
inappropriate diet or eating disorders
exaggerated or lack of exercise
emotional stress
psychological issues (depression, anxiety etc.)
hormonal imbalance
cancer treatment
chromosomal abnormalities or inherited diseases
immunological factors
sexually transmitted diseases (STD)

YOGA THERAPY for reproductive system disorders

Yoga therapy helps to improve reproductive functions through the balancing of hormonal secretion, improving of circulation and internal organs function.

Reproductive health, sexual performance and ability to conceive is very much affected by psychological factors, thus the maintaining of the mental health of both partners is required. Stress reduces the likelihood of conception both natural way or with the help of assisted reproduction treatment. Yoga therapy is reducing stress and anxiety levels which can significantly increase the chances for successful pregnancy.

Especially beneficial can be supportive Yoga therapy for the couples undergoing IVF treatment. Well-designed asana and pranayama practice has been shown as increasing the success of assisted reproduction cycles.

Yoga therapy is suitable for the couples as it results into deepening the connection between the partners, improvement of the relationship and enhancement of understanding for each other through the sharing of yoga experience.

In relation to women’s health yoga therapy is supporting the female well-being and vitality through the maintaining the regularity of menstrual cycles, strengthening the pelvic area, managing the weight, clearing out emotional blocks and bringing self-confidence to managing themselves.

MENTAL HEALTH PROBLEMS

Many people are facing mental health problems, which are bringing them difficulties in daily life, emotional imbalance, distress or impairment of personal functioning. These problems often stays hidden and unsolved in fear of discrimination or stigmatization by the family or society.

Common mental disorders are:

disrupted sleep patterns (insomnia)
eating disorders (bulimia, anorexia)
substances addictions (alcohol, smoking, drugs)
cognitive disorders
anxiety and panic attacks
dealing with anger problems
depression
dissociation and dissociative disorders
obsessive-compulsive disorder (COD)
phobias
postnatal depression and other perinatal mental health issues
post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
schizophrenia
low self-esteem
self-harm or suicidal behaviour
attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)
autism
bipolar disorder
impulse control disorders.

YOGA THERAPY for mental disorders

Yoga practice has direct positive impact not only physical body, but also on mental condition of the practitioner. Traditional yogic view on mental disorders is that they are arising out of imbalances in the Manomaya Kosa (mental and emotional body) or having an origin in the Prana (life force) flow fluctuations.

For mental health improvement yoga therapy is helping in several ways:

having impact on influence on neurotransmitters secretion (especially serotonin, which is responsible for the feeling of happiness ),
bringing the practitioner to the stage of relaxation, where all negative urges are becoming less prominent,
increasing awareness of oneself and oneself’s surroundings,
increasing the ability to concentrate a manage the distraction,
bringing an acceptance and adaptability,
building up the sense of security,
bringing enjoyment and self-confidence,
can help to reduce the dosage of medicaments.

POST-TRAUMATIC & RESTORATIVE THERAPY

Highly traumatizing events in the human life (e.g. loss of the dear ones, witnessing or experiencing terrifying incident) can cause post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) which symptoms are severe anxiety, depression, uncontrollable thoughts about the event, flashbacks, nightmares and disability to manage normal day-to-day living. Person affected by PTSD may experience symptoms of avoidance, severe emotional distress or physical reactions, negative changes in thinking and mood and changes in physical and emotional reactions.

Restorative therapy is intended for anybody who is recovering from the serious illness or severe injury and wants to restore the functions of the body, heal mentally and emotionally and overall improve the quality of the life.

POST-TRAUMATIC & RESTORATIVE Yoga THERAPY

Restorative and post-traumatic yoga therapy is primarily based on the practice where body is opened through the passive stretching and energy is gradually brought back to the body. All asanas suitable for this kind of therapy are performed with the extensive use of props which ensures maximum support, effect and deep relaxation. Applied breathing techniques are gentle and creates calm and serene states of being.

BACK PAIN

Back pain is one of the most common problems which can have extensively negative impact on the daily life of the affected person. Back pain can have origin in injury, occupation, certain activities or habits or it’s a symptom of another type of health issues.

Back pain can be linked to:

>> spine (vertebrae, spinal joints)

abnormal spinal curvature (hyper lordosis, hyper kyphosis, scoliosis)
inflammation (e.g. ankylosing spondylitis)
injury
osteoporosis
arthritis
spinal stenosis
spondylolisthesis

>> discs between the vertebrae

damaged or ruptured disc
bulging or herniated disc
sciatica
degenerative disc disease
cauda equina syndrome

>> sprains caused by overstretching or tearing ligaments

>> strains in tendons

>> spinal cord and nerves

radiculopathy
compression, inflammation, injury

>> inflammation and wear of the sacroiliac joint

>> fibromyalgia

>> back, neck and shoulder muscles (spasm, strain, tension, injury)

>> abdominal and pelvic internal organs

kidney stones or inflammation
endometriosis, fibroids
ulcerative colitis, appendicitis
pancreatitis

>> the skin around the lumbar area

>> disorders of the aorta (abdominal aortic aneurysms)

>> tumors in the chest or spine

>> life style

overweight or obesity
sedentary life style
lack of physical activity or overexercise
poor body postur

>> occupational risk factors:

strenuous physical work (heavy lifting, pushing, or pulling)
sedentary job
standing or driving for the long period of time

>> sleep disorders

>> pregnancy

Yoga THERAPY for back pain

Relaxation of body and mind, caring awareness about the sensations in the body, body mechanics and proper alignment are the key factors in healing back pain though the yoga therapy. During the gentle therapeutic practice the correction of imbalances in the muscle flexibility and muscle strengthening is performed. Together with the slow and precise body movements the back pain is alleviating, the circulation of blood and prana (life force) is improved, inflammation is reduced and bones and joints are getting to be stabilized again.

The recovered body regains the proper posture, which, together with strengthened muscular system, help to prevent further pain or injury.

BODY WEIGHT MANAGEMENT

Body Mass Index (BMI)

Body weight can assessed be the calculating of so called Body Mass Index (BMI). The BMI value is derived from the mass (weight) and height of a person. Body mass index is also the measure of body composition. According to BMI every person can be broadly categorized as underweight, normal weight, overweight or obese.

Overweight and obesity

Overweight and obesity are defined as a body weight that is higher than what is considered as a healthy weight for a given body height. As overweight (BMI value is from 25 to 30) can be considered an excessive amount of fat as well as extra mass of bone, muscles or water. Obesity (BMI value is over 30) is usually caused only by excess of the fat tissue and this condition may impair health.

Main causes of obesity are:

imbalance between the amount of consumed and expended calories
bad diet habits (e. g. increased intake of energy-dense foods, irregular eating, overeating, quick switching of different types of diets)
lack of physical activity and exercises
sedentary nature of many forms of work
social background and environment
impact of genetics (e.g. Prader-Willi syndrome)
hormonal disorders (under-active thyroid gland, polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), Cushing syndrome)
stress, psycho-social and emotional factors
sleep disorders
use of some medications (diabetes, psychiatric illnesses, neurologic disorders, or inflammatory conditions treatment).

Risks of overweight and obesity

diabetes mellitus type 2
high blood pressure
coronary heart disease (heart attack) and strokes
kidney disease
eye problems
breathing problems (sleep apnea)
asthma
metabolic syndrome
gallbladder diseases and stones
fatty liver disease
osteoarthritis
gout
increased risk of some types of cancer (endometrial, breast, colon, kidney, gallbladder and liver)
pregnancy problems, such as high blood sugar during pregnancy, high blood pressure, and increased risk for cesarean delivery (C-section)
mental problems (e.g. depression, anxiety, feelings of rejection, emotional strain etc.)
social problems.

UNDERWEIGHT

Being underweight can be as risky as being overweight or obese. Underweight is defined as body weight which is too low than what is considered as a healthy weight for a given body height (BMI value is under 18.5). Weighing too little can contribute to a weakened immune system, fragile bones, poor stamina and feelings of fatigue. Underweight can be caused by various reasons and conditions. Each sudden and unexplained weight loss always require further medical examination and counselling.

Common causes of underweight are:

malnutrition or bad eating habits
eating disorders (bulimia, anorexia nervosa)
sleep disorders
gastrointestinal or liver problems causing inability to absorb nutrients adequately
cancer or cancer treatment
diabetes mellitus type 1
over-active thyroid gland (hyperthyroidism)
genetics
metabolism
drug use
overexercise
stress

Consequences of underweight:

essential nutrients deficiency
weak immune system
anemia
poor physical stamina
muscle atrophy
skin, hair or teeth problems
menstrual disorders (e.g. amenorrhea, irrehular periods)
infertility
complications during pregnancy (e.g. premature delivery)
osteoporosis

Yoga THERAPY for body weight management

An assessment of body type according to Ayurveda is always done before the start of Yoga therapy practice. Diet and eating patterns are in detail analysed by Yoga therapist and a new diet program with proper timings is recommended.

Yoga isn’t traditionally considered an aerobic exercise, but it’s conserving energy and at the same time improving overall body condition (muscle strengthening, increasing flexibility etc.). Regular yoga practice is increasing awareness on many physical and mental levels which leads to more conscious approach towards the whole body even the eating habits itself. Practitioner is able to observe how different types of food are affecting his organism and change his behavioral patterns accordingly. Regular well-tailored yoga therapy practice is balancing the hormonal secretion, helping with digestion issues, boosting stamina and improve the sleep which are all key factors for healthy weight maintenance.

OCCUPATIONAL DISEASES

An occupational illness or work-related disease is health issue which arises directly from work activities or working conditions.

Types of work activities and factors which can cause occupational disease:

repetitive or forceful work movements in constrictive postures
work with arms lifted above shoulder height
heavy lifting work
work in a noisy environment
manipulation with hazardous substances
physical work in severe weather conditions
work in extreme hot or cold temperatures
using of information technology (computers, phones, watching screens) for hours
jobs that required vigilance and responsibility for others
work that required attention to devices
sitting or standing for the long periods in combination with the poor body posture
high level of occupational stress
workplace mistreatment

Examples of work-related diseases:

asthma
allergy
lungs diseases
skin disorders (e.g. eczema, contact dermatitis, urticaria etc.)
lead poisoning
overuse syndrome
computer vision syndrome
cardiovascular disease
high blood pressure
muscoloskleteal disorders (back & neck pains, epicondylitis, cervical spondylosis, tendinitis, carpal tunnel syndrome, radial styloid tenosynovitis, hand-arm vibration syndrome, herniated discs/slipped discs)
sleep disorders
depression & anxiety
migraine
occupational burnout
post-traumatic stress disorder
cancers caused by chemical agents.

Yoga THERAPY for Occupational diseases

Almost every job can cause some kind of imbalance in the body. Maintaining these imbalances which may result in single or multiple physical or mental problems is the main goal of corporate yoga. Yoga therapy is implemented according to certain health condition (during the regular classes) or can be taught in a form of workshops or yoga training directly at the workplace (company, institution or school). Corporate workshops are always designed according to the job nature. Workshops are always designed not only to match the type of work and the occupational risks involved, but also consider the gender, age and overall condition of the team. Employees are taught and trained how to minimize certain risks (e.g. how to keep proper body posture while sitting or moving with heavy objects etc) as well as be able to relieve sudden pain which can arise from the work activity (back and neck pain, migraines, anxiety strokes etc.). For female collectives workshops are containing also education and solutions for women’s health issues like menstrual cramps or problems connected with menopause.