Approximately 700,000 Americans suffer from ulcerative colitis, which is an inflammatory bowel disease. Ulcerative proctitis is a subtype of ulcerative colitis whose cause is unknown. There is no cure for this chronic disease, but there are medicines to help manage symptoms. Ways to prevent or reduce symptoms include lifestyle changes, diet and exercise.
Identification
Ulcerative proctitis is a chronic inflammatory condition that causes ulceration of the colon's innermost lining. It affects the lowest part of the colon, the rectum, and causes tiny ulcers that can bleed or produce pus or mucus, according to the Crohn's and Colitis Foundation of America website. Ulcerative proctitis is the result of an immune system gone awry. The abnormal response from the immune system reacts to food, bacteria and other materials as foreign objects and attacks the lining of the intestines.
Significance
Stress plays a large role in most chronic illnesses. It can also influence the course of ulcerative proctitis, according to the Crohn's and Colitis Foundation of America website. Though the cause of this inflammatory bowel disease is unknown, stress, anxiety and tension can exacerbate your symptoms and trigger a flare-up. Ulcerative proctitis is a lifelong condition that requires positive coping skills. Exercise is a good way to help reduce stress, relieve depression and normalize bowel function, according to MayoClinic.com.
Types
Tai chi is a mild form of exercise often referred to as "meditation in motion," according to MayoClinic.com. It is a fluid, conscious effort that helps to reduce stress and improve health. Other benefits of tai chi include relieving chronic pain, increasing energy and improving sleep. Yoga is another form of exercise that can help to reduce stress and depression. Yoga poses are designed to use both the mind and body to increase efficiency and health. Yoga also encourages energy flow and circulation, according to the Secrets of Yoga website.
Execution
A beginning tai chi exercise is an opening position called awakening the chi. Start by standing 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 just touching. Breathe in and raise your hands to chest height. As you lower your hands, breathe out and turn palms downward. Repeat this six to eight times and return to original position. Yoga has many standing and sitting positions and range from basic to advanced. An example pose includes warrior one. Stand squarely, keep your feet about hip-width apart and step forward into a lunge position. Pivot your back foot 45 degrees with your bent knee directly over your ankle. As you inhale, raise your arms over your head with your palms facing each other. Drop your shoulders and press your chest forward. Hold for four to eight breaths.
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
Member Comments