Neuropathy is a general term used to describe feelings of numbness, tingling and pain, usually in your extremities, due to nerve damage. One of the most common causes of neuropathy is diabetes, although it can also occur as a result of infections, metabolic disorders or exposure to toxins. In many cases, neuropathy symptoms can be significantly improved or even reversed. Certain types of exercise, such as yoga, may also have a beneficial effect on neuropathy. Consult your doctor prior to beginning a yoga practice.
Inversions
Inversions are yoga postures where you literally invert your body, such as in headstands, shoulder stands and and plow pose. According to "Yoga Journal," inversions help certain types of neuropathy because they soothe your central nervous system and increase circulation to your extremities. Although many inversions are rigorous and difficult for beginners, one beneficial and relatively simple pose is the Legs-Up-the-Wall pose.
To perform this pose, lie on your side, parallel to a wall. Bend your knees and swing your legs and hips around so that your feet are resting on the wall and your back is on the floor. Slowly straighten your legs and move your buttocks up against the edge of the wall. Relax your arms by your sides. Stay in this pose for one minute.
Utkatasana
Utkatasana, also known as the chair pose, is a yoga posture that can help to strengthen the nerves. To perform this pose, start in a basic standing position with your feet slightly apart and your arms relaxed by your sides.
As you inhale, bend your knees and lean your buttocks back, pretending you are about to sit down in a chair. Bring your hips and buttocks almost parallel to the floor and raise your arms above your head. Engage your thighs and core muscles and breathe deeply. Hold the pose for 30 seconds.
Trikonasana
This pose, also known as triangle pose, is done by standing with your arms by your sides. Spread your legs about 3 feet apart. Turn your right foot out, keeping your left foot pointing forward. Raise your arms out straight at shoulder height.
Lean your hips to the right. Keeping your legs straight, continue to bend over to the right, bringing your right hand to your shin and your left arm straight up in the air. Stay in this pose for 20 seconds, then repeat on the opposite leg.
Savasana
According to authors Mims Cushing and Norman Latov, M.D. in their book "You Can Cope with Peripheral Neuropathy: 365 Tips for Living a Full Life," breathing and meditation exercises can help neuropathy by decreasing stress and helping you cope with mental symptoms. Savasana is a restorative yoga pose, also known as the corpse pose, that helps to promote deep relaxation and stress relief.
Lie on the floor with your legs straight and a bolster or rolled-up towel under your knees to decrease strain on your lower back. You can use a pillow under your head for support. Relax your arms by your sides, palms facing up. Close your eyes and focus on your breathing. Pay attention to your inhalation, making it long and slow. Pause before you exhale. As you exhale, try to empty out all of the air from your chest and diaphragm. Remain in this pose for as long as you like.
