Vitiligo is a skin disorder that causes the skin to lose melanin, the pigment that determines skin color. This results in patches of skin that are lighter than the rest of the skin. Although vitiligo has no cure, the symptoms may be controlled by reducing stress levels. Yoga is an excellent method for calming the mind and body and reducing stress.
Vitiligo
Melanin is the skin pigment that determines the color of your skin, eyes and hair. Vitiligo occurs when melanin producing cells die or are no longer able to produce melanin. This causes white patches to appear on the skin. The patches may start out small and gradually grow larger. According to MayoClinic.com, vitiligo affects all races, though it may be more noticeable on people with darker skin. Currently, there is no cure for vitiligo. The aim of treatment is to stop pigment loss.
Symptoms
Vitiligo can occur anywhere on the body, though it is more likely to occur first on areas that are regularly exposed to the sun, such as lips, face, arms and hands. It may occur at any age though is most common between the ages of 10 and 30. There are three forms of vitiligo: focal, which occurs on a localized area of your body; segmental, which occurs on one side of the body only; and generalized, which occurs over many parts of the body. If you are losing the pigmentation of your skin, you should seek medical advice.
Cause
The exact cause of vitiligo is not known, although it is thought to be an autoimmune disease. Autoimmune diseases occur when your immune system attacks a part of your body as though it is a pathogen. This may be how the melanin cells in the skin get destroyed. According to the National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal Skin Disease, emotional distress can cause this disorder. As yoga can help relieve stress, it may be beneficial for this disorder.
Yoga
Yoga helps to relax the muscles and ease the mind, thereby reducing levels of stress and anxiety. In turn, this weakens the immune system and may increase the symptoms of vitiligo. The S-vyasa Yoga Learning Center recommends the uthana prishthastasana exercise for prevention of vitiligo. For this exercise, you should lie on the floor, face-down. Place your elbows on the floor beneath your shoulders and clasp them with your hands for support. Let your head hang loosely then raise it slowly as you inhale. Tilt your head back so that your torso rises from the floor. Look forward and hold your breath for as long as is comfortable, then exhale and lower your head and upper body to the floor.
