Ulcerative colitis is an inflammatory bowel disease that affects approximately 700,000 Americans. Ulcerative proctitis is a subtype of ulcerative colitis. The cause of this chronic condition is unknown and there is no cure. There are medicines to help treat the inflammation and preventative measures for reducing flare-ups. Exercise is one way to help manage your symptoms.
Identification
Ulcerative proctitis is a chronic inflammatory condition that affects the lowest part of the colon, the rectum. Ulcerative proctitis is characterized by inflammation and ulceration of the colon's innermost lining which can cause tiny ulcers that may bleed or produce pus or mucus, according to the Crohn's and Colitis Foundation of America website. It is triggered by an abnormal response from the immune system, which sees food, bacteria and other materials as foreign substances and attacks the lining of the intestines.
Significance
Emotional stress can influence the course of ulcerative proctitis, according to the Crohn's and Colitis Foundation of America website. Though stress does not cause the illness, stress, anxiety and tension can aggravate your symptoms. Coping techniques are important as sometimes just the stress of your diagnosis is enough to trigger symptoms. Exercise can help to reduce stress, relieve depression and even normalize bowel function, according to MayoClinic.com. Light exercise in particular is recommended for sufferers of ulcerative proclitis, according to the University of Ontario, which published a study in the "Clinical Journal of Sports Medicine" that found light exercise such as yoga and walking tended to prevent symptom recurrence and improve the overall quality of life in Crohn's sufferers.
Types
Yoga is a form of exercise that utilizes both the mind and body and encourages energy flow and circulation, according to the Secrets of Yoga website. It helps to reduce stress and depression and the poses are designed to increase efficiency and health. Tai chi is another mild form of exercise that helps to reduce stress and improve health. It is sometimes referred to as "meditation in motion," according to MayoClinic.com. Tai chi can also help relieve chronic pain, increase energy and improve sleep quality.
Execution
Yoga has many sitting and standing poses and can range from basic to advanced. An example of a basic pose includes the cobra pose. Lie on the floor, stomach side down. Stretch your body and spread your hands on the floor under your shoulders. Keep your elbows close to your side, press your lower body into the floor. Inhale, straighten your arms and lift your chest. Hold for 15 to 30 seconds, breathe slowly, release and lay flat while exhaling. A beginning tai chi exercise is an opening position called awakening the chi. Stand with your feet shoulder-width apart, body relaxed, arms hanging loosely and your knees slightly bent. Bring your hands together just below your belly button, palms up and fingertips barely touching. Breathe in and raise your hands to chest level. As you lower your hands, breathe out and turn palms toward the ground. Repeat this six to eight times and return to original position.
References
- Crohn's and Colitis Foundation of America: About Ulcerative Colitis and Proctitis
- Mayo Clinic: Ulcerative Colitis
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Ulcerative Colitis
- The Secrets of Yoga: What is Yoga?
- Mayo Clinic: Stress Management: Tai Chi: Discover the Many Possible Health Benefits
- Mayo Clinic: Stress Management: Yoga for Stress Management
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