How can Yoga help M.E.?
Lorna O'Malley
Ever wondered why Yoga is recommended to people with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome and M.E.?
Many people with CFS are told that they should attempt graded exercise. Walking short distances each day is a great way to 'exercise' - even if it is just to the other side of the room, then building up to the length of the garden. Another great way to 'exercise' is Yoga.
Yoga offers physical and mental wellbeing, and it leaves you energised, where most other forms of physical activity leave you tired, or even exhausted. But Yoga is so much more than physical exercise, and can be incredibly valuable for people who are attempting to cure their Chronic Fatigue Syndrome. It promotes calm within the body, helping your immune system, as well as relaxing your vital organs.
If you have moderate to severe CFS it is likely you will undertake no, or very minimum physical activity. You may spend much of your day in the same position, either in a chair or bed, and I am guessing that you won't be demonstrating good posture. The physical postures in Yoga help to stretch muscles, relieving them from tension, and these stretches can really help in cases where your muscles are tight, teaching them to let go and relax. Yoga should always be relaxing and gentle, so it is important that you listen to your body throughout and know your limitations. For example - some days when muscles are too 'achey', stretching them will likely cause discomfort or pain. But sitting in a cross legged position for 5 minutes with a relaxed straight back and a calm breath is still Yoga!
A major part of Yoga practice is meditation. Calming and relaxing the mind. Having too much time to think and worry can make your health worse and so meditation is a great way to relax and calm the mind - which then helps with sleeping problems and anxieties.
Yoga is really a spiritual practice and above all else it can help you spiritually. Letting go of your 'old life' is something which is hard to come to terms with, for better or worse. A healthy mind, body, and spirit is vital to all round wellbeing.
Yoga can be a very complex subject and I have only skimmed the surface in this brief article, but I also believe that Yoga is simple. The most simple thing there is.
Please note that this article is NOT medical advice. The author can NOT be held responsible for incorrect information or any results that come from reading this article.
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