Yoga Exercises For Schizophrenia

Schizophrenia is a serious medical condition that interferes with a person's ability to function. Yoga, along with conventional treatment, may help lessen symptoms experienced by schizophrenic people, according to a 2007 article entitled "Yoga Helps People with Schizophrenia" by Maureen Williams, N.D. The article appears on the website for the Bastyr Center for Natural Health, which is the teaching clinic of Bastyr University. Yoga practice may also improve quality of life.

Conqueror Breath

Yoga breathing exercises are helpful for people with schizophrenia because of its grounding effect. Schizophrenics often have a difficult time distinguishing between what is them from what is around them, but yoga breathing exercises can help, according to the Bastyr Center. Conqueror breath is a basic, foundational exercise for other yoga breathing exercises, according to YogaJournal.com. Sit on three folded blankets with your legs crossed in front of you and your feet resting on the floor. Rest your hands on top of your thighs. Start by breathing in through your nose. Breathe out through your mouth. Your mouth should be open wide. Emit a soft, hissing sound from the back of your throat as you exhale. Once you can make the noise, close your mouth and continue to hiss as you breathe in and out.

Channel Cleaning Breath

Channel cleaning breath is a grounding exercise that may synchronize the two hemispheres of the brain, according to YogaJournal.com. It also slows the heart rate and lower anxiety. Begin in a comfortable, cross-legged position. With your right thumb, press your right nostril closed. Breathe in through your left nostril and use your ring finger and pinkie to close your left nostril. Remove your thumb from your right nostril and exhale. Next, breathe in through the right nostril, close it and take your ring and pinkie fingers away from your left nostril so you can exhale. This is considered one cycle of the exercise.

Plow

Plow is a yoga exercise that stretches the shoulders and spine, combats fatigue and calms the mind, according to YogaJournal.com. It's also stimulating for the thyroid gland. Thyroid disorders and schizophrenia may be linked, according to a 2006 article on Schizophrenia.com entitled "Hypothyroidism and Psychiatric Illness." By making the thyroid problems better, psychiatric symptoms may also improve, according to the article. Begin lying on your back with your legs straight. Bring your arms to your sides on the floor and swing your legs up as you use your arms to help lift your hips. Immediately bring your palms together and interlace your fingers on the ground as you lower your legs to the floor above your head. Your spine should be perpendicular to the floor. The backs of your arms and neck touch the floor, as do the balls of your feet. Straighten your legs.