Approximately 300,000 Americans have scleroderma, according to the Scleroderma Foundation. It is more prevalent in women but men and children can develop the disease. Scleroderma can be mild to severe and treatment can depend on your symptoms. Yoga is a beneficial treatment for those with scleroderma. The main goal of yoga is to attain optimum health and well-being. It is more than just exercise; it is a way to heal your body.
Yoga
History shows yoga dating back 5,000 years where ancient stone carvings depicted different yoga positions. Yoga helps to increase circulation and energy flow to all parts of the body, according to the Secrets of Yoga website. The exercises are designed to promote physical efficiency and health. The breathing taught in yoga creates a meditative state, adding another spiritual component to the practice. Yoga brings mind and body together through the exercises, breathing and meditation, according to the American Yoga Association website.
Scleroderma
Scleroderma is a chronic autoimmune rheumatic disease affecting the body's connective tissues. The most visible symptom is hardening of the skin as it causes an overproduction of collagen. The symptoms vary from person to person, as does the severity of the disease. Different parts of the body can be affected as well and it can be either localized or systemic. Factors such as race, ethnicity and age may influence the risk but is not thought to be inherited. The cause of scleroderma is unknown and there is no known cure but treatments are available.
Significance
Yoga can be a gentle stretching exercise that benefits the symptoms of skin tightening and joint contractures, according to the Yoga Center. The poses increase flexibility and mobility while improving circulation, oxygenation and muscle function. Yoga can also improve the function of the digestive system, reducing constipation, a main symptom of scleroderma. The stress alone from living with scleroderma actually worsens the symptoms and yoga is beneficial in reducing stress. Practicing yoga can be done fully mobile, while confined to a chair, on an incline plane or on the floor.
Exercises
Those with scleroderma who are more limited in their movement can use props such as firm blankets, to create an inclined plane. Inclined planes are used for relieving symptoms of acid reflux, a common symptom of scleroderma. Hip-opener yoga poses are done to improve digestive and elimination functions and can be performed on the floor, in a chair or on an inclined plane. Other exercises such as reclining core strengtheners, done lying down or on an inclined plane, help maintain walking and driving mobility, according to the Yoga Center website. Straight knee stretches aid the knee and hip for walking and can be done either on the floor or on an inclined plane.
