Crohn's disease is a condition that causes inflammation of the gut, says the Patient UK website. Symptoms vary from mild to severe, depending on which part of your gut is affected, but they generally include abdominal pain, diarrhea and/or bloody diarrhea. The disease is usually characterized by flare-ups of the symptoms rather than having them on a continual basis.
Yoga as a Treatment Option
Crohn's Disease is described as a chronic condition, which means it can be managed but is usually ongoing, says the Patient UK website. Treatment usually involves a combination of medication, dietary supplements and surgery. However, to manage the stress and discomfort that can accompany living with this condition, the Mayo Clinic also recommends regular relaxation exercises. Although they won't eliminate symptoms, exercises of this type can help reduce the severity and/or frequency of your flare ups, and help you cope with flare-ups when they occur. According to WomenFitness.net, certain yoga postures can help improve circulation to the digestive tract, relaxing the area and helping to improve its function.
Cobra
Lie on your stomach on the floor with your legs straight and your palms flat on the floor level with your chest, says WomenFitness.net. Breathe in and, as you breathe out, tighten your stomach and buttock muscles and slowly raise your chest and middle torso by pressing your palms and hips into the floor. Only lift as far as you can without causing back pain, but the more flexible you are, the more you will be able to straighten your arms and raise your torso into full cobra. Hold for a few breaths then slowly roll back down to the start position.
Standing Forward Bend
This posture is said to aid the digestion -- which is the main area affected by Crohn's disease -- stimulate your liver and kidneys and relieve anxiety and mild depression, says YogaJournal.com. Start by standing up straight then, as you breathe out, slowly hinge forward at your hips. Bend over with a straight back, stretching your spine out and away from your hips as you fold forward. If you're flexible enough, place your palms flat on the floor with your legs straight. Otherwise, bend your arms and hold onto your elbows and relax deeper into the stretch with each exhalation. Stay in this posture for at least 30 seconds, breathing deeply throughout.
Spinal Twist
Sit on the floor with your legs straight out in front of you and your hands on the floor behind your hips, says WomenFitness.net. Bend your right leg and place the foot flat on the floor on the outside of your left leg, just above knee height. If you can, bend your left knee so that the foot is resting near your right buttock; otherwise keep your left leg straight. Lift your left hand off the floor and cross it over your body, resting the elbow on the outside of your right knee and grasping your right ankle with your left hand. In this position, slowly twist your torso as far around to the right as you can while keeping your back straight and both sit bones on the floor. Your right hand should remain planted on the floor behind your right hip. Twist a little more with each exhalation and after at least three breaths, slowly unwind and repeat on the other side.
