Crohn's disease, an autoimmune disorder of unknown origin, causes inflammation in the lining of the digestive tract. Signs and symptoms include abdominal pain and cramping, diarrhea, blood in the stool, ulcers, reduced appetite and weight loss, fatigue, fever and skin disorders. Depending of the severity of symptoms, Crohn's disease can limit daily activities and, in some cases, threaten life.
Considerations
While stress does not cause Crohn's disease, it can worsen signs and symptoms, according to MayoClinic.com. Stress has a physiological impact on the digestive system and can alter normal processes with excessive production of stomach acid, slowed digestion and constipation. Activities including relaxation and breathing exercises can help a Crohn's patient manage stress, which may help prevent flare-ups, according to MayoClinic.com.
Benefits of Yoga
The practice of yoga combines physical exercises, known as postures, with meditation that focuses on breathing. Yoga postures relieve stress while they strengthen and tone muscles, promote flexibility and massage internal organs. You can practice the meditation aspect of yoga by combining it with postures in a form of moving contemplation or as a separate technique on its own to relax and quiet the mind.
Yoga Postures
Because yoga increases blood flow and stimulates internal organs, a folding posture, such as standing forward bend, or "uttanasana," improves digestion, reduces fatigue, calms the brain and relieves stress, according to YogaJournal.com. To perform "uttanasana," start with your big toes touching and your heels slightly separated. Slowly fold forward, reaching your hands toward the floor as you lift your sit bones upward. You may find gentle twisting postures, such as "Bharadvaja's twist," useful in combatting symptoms linked to Crohn's disease because they stimulate the digestive organs and improve digestion while relieving stress.
Meditation
Whether you prefer to incorporate meditation into your yoga practice or simply sit in silence, meditation slows the breath, calms the mind and encourages relaxation. To practice meditation with yoga postures, center your mind on the subtle movement of your breath. On the inhale, trace your breath as it moves in through the nostrils, across the back of the throat and down into the lungs. Add a pause at the top of the inhale and repeat the process on the exhale.
Frequency
Practice yoga regularly, two to three times per week, to feel the effects of yoga on countering the discomfort associated with chronic illness such as Crohn's disease.
