Many people suffering from acquired immune deficiency, or AIDS, use alternative or complementary treatments such as yoga to help them heal physically and emotionally. AIDS results from the human immunodeficiency virus, or HIV, which weakens the immune system. Yoga practices such as meditation use mind-body therapies, or psychoneuroimmunology, to influence the body's ability to heal itself.
Pranayama
Pranayama is the controlled-breathing technique used in conjunction with yoga poses and meditation. Pranayama promotes relaxation and healing in AIDS patients through the conscious measuring and controlling of breathing to encourage body-energy balance. In yoga, prana, or the "Universal Soul," enters your body during inhalation; while holding your breath, it promotes a clear mind by inhibiting the constant flow of thoughts running through your head, according to the Yoga Journal.
Meditation
Meditation uses deep breathing and other focusing techniques to help reduce tension, fatigue and anxiety and decrease the risk of infection in those with AIDS. It results in enhanced emotional and physical well-being --- benefiting several diseases, including cancer, which commonly occurs in AIDS patients, according to MayoClinic.com. Meditation involves relaxed breathing, the conscious awareness of your various body parts and any sensations you are experiencing. In addition, people meditating usually repeat a word, or mantra, such as "om," which comes from Eastern religions.
Visualization
Imagery or visualization, the language used for mind-body communication, helps heal diseases such as AIDS through imagining positive scenes. Evidence suggests that controlling the nature of your thoughts can directly impact your health and well-being, Holistic Online says. For instance, imagining your immune system attacking the HIV virus may actually improve your body's ability to fight the disease. To visualize, find a comfortable spot, close your eyes, take a few deep breaths and picture a pleasant scene or happy memory from your past. After you completely relax, change your image to directly benefit your illness. Visualization works best when combined with the meditative postures of yoga, according to Holistic Online.
Asana
Higher Learning in Yogic Science and Research recommends asana, or yoga poses, for AIDS patients. One asana pose, the "hidden lotus," begins in the padmasana position, with your legs folded to resemble a "blooming lotus." Using your hands for support, rise up on your knees and slowly lower your abdomen --- placing your chin on the floor. Next, bring your arms behind your back and place your palms together with your fingers pointing toward your head. While lying flat on the yoga mat or floor, allow your body to completely relax as you breathe slowly. Hold this position "for some time" and then return to your starting position. Avoid this position if you are experiencing pain.
