1. Reduce Symptoms
Yoga does not cure HIV or AIDS, but it can help alleviate some of the symptoms of the diseases or the side-effects of the medications. Yoga can help relieve stress and tension thought meditation and specific poses, such as sun salutations and breathing techniques; pranayama exercises are calming. This can help with headaches and high blood pressure. Practicing yoga in a class with others who have HIV may also offer emotional support and give you a partner to help with your poses. It is important to find a yoga instructor who is familiar with teaching those with special conditions, such as HIV.
2. Get Things Moving
Support the digestive system with yoga. The spine twist, child pose and corpse pose are good for supporting your digestive system by improving circulation to your organs; however, don't do the spinal twist if you have diarrhea or nausea. If you have acid indigestion, it is best not to do the child pose. Try the bridge pose to help overall digestion. Practicing yoga will improve your posture, which enhances your digestive process.
3. Turn Yourself Upside Down
Inverted poses, such as handstands, shoulderstands and headstands help boost your immune system. Check with your health-care provider before doing yoga, especially any inverted poses. If you have high blood pressure or any other conditions, an inverted pose may cause it to become worse. Fatigue may contribute to a lower immune system. When you're practicing yoga, don't get too tired. If you've been on bed rest for a long period, it takes a while to regain your strength. Simple yoga poses can help you regain your strength, confidence and health.
4. Boost Confidence
With illness, lack of self confidence may become an issue. Yoga can help you regain your self confidence by practicing yoga. By using your breath and controlling your body in the poses, you will achieve a sense of empowerment. You will look good and feel good after practicing yoga; your posture will improve causing you to walk with more confidence.
5. Fall Down but Get Up
Along with HIV, you may have joint pain and muscle cramps. Practicing yoga will help keep your joints flexible and tone your muscles. By maintaining your flexibility, it may help you have fewer injuries due to falls and strains. Yoga poses also help you improve your balance, which can also contribute to fewer falls and injuries.
