Fibromyalgia is a condition that often produces pain, fatique, insomnia, headaches and other symptoms. It mainly affects muscles and their attachment to bones. The cycle of pain and other symptoms often leads to frustration, fear, and anxiety. Among recommended treatments are moderate ‘exercise’ that stretches muscles and improves cardiovascular fitness, and relaxation techniques.
Yoga practice offers many benefits with breathing/relaxation and meditation.Yoga requires no special equipment and can be done through the day, a few poses at a time, to maintain energy and strength. Poses can be done in a chair, or even in bed.
Yoga stretches and relaxes the major muscle groups to release tension and fatique. Poses compress are especially beneficial as they work to relax tight, sore muscles, stimulate circulation and hormonal systems, and push oxygen through the body.
Yoga breathing counteract fatique and lethargy and reduce harmful stress reactions. Deep, rhythmic breathing lifts depression and reduces anxiety and inertia. In depression, the breath becomes shallow which means less oxygen to the brain. Both the breathing and the poses increase the flow of oxygen in the blood and muscles, and the brain.
You learn to completely relax every muscle in the body so you can forget about the body. By stopping all thought momentarily, the mind and body experience a rejuvenating break. Because fatique and disturbances in the normal sleep cycle are common symptoms of fibromyalgia, daily meditation is especially helpful, as it provides the deep rest that is often unattainable with normal sleep. Yoga provides a solid support system while coping with this dis-ease.