Alternative and clinical medical trials alike indicate yoga as an effective form of therapy with which to manage the causes and symptoms of pulmonary tuberculosis. While researchers continue to study the psychological effects of a regular yoga practice on disease prevention and treatment, there is already definitive evidence suggesting the positive impact of a physical yoga practice and breathing exercises on infection levels, weight gain and symptom reduction in pulmonary tuberculosis patients.
Condition
Tuberculosis, also known as TB, is an infectious disease that usually affects the lungs and is caused by bacteria spread via coughing or sneezing. Tuberculosis became more prevalent in the late 20th century, due in part to the emergence of the HIV virus and its effect on the body's ability to resist TB bacteria. Traditional medical treatment for TB can be complicated, as many strains of the disease are able to resist the most common TB drugs and thus must be managed with several medications at once.
TB and Yoga Therapy
Tuberculosis usually attacks the lungs and results in a variety of symptoms including cough, weight loss, fatigue, fever, night sweats, chills and loss of appetite. A course of yoga therapy for tuberculosis might include breathing practices, seated stretches, sun salutation, and other standing poses, forward bends and back bends. During a study conducted by researchers at the Vivekananda Yoga Research Foundation in Bangalore, India, tuberculosis patients in a yoga test group practiced such poses for 60 minutes, 6 hours per week.
Effects
The results of the Vivekananda study showed improvements in levels of infection, weight gain, symptom reduction and radiographic picture in a majority of TB patients in the yoga test group. By comparison, patients in another group that performed only breathing exercises showed minor but by no means comparable improvements. Researchers at the S-VYASA organization for higher learning in yogic sciences and research attribute improvements in TB patients due to yoga to an increase in physical stamina, mental calm and free movement of prana, or life energy.
Warning
While yoga may be a valuable tool for managing symptoms of tuberculosis, it is important to see a doctor to discuss treatment options if you exhibit symptoms of this disease. Tuberculosis can become serious and thus should not be treated through alternative methods alone. In addition, common TB symptoms can also be signs of other medical problems. Secure a diagnosis of TB from a medical professional before pursuing yoga therapy for tuberculosis.
