Cystic fibrosis is a condition characterized by the presence of a defective gene that affects the glands which produce mucus, sweat and digestive fluids. Cystic fibrosis is life-threatening because the proper functioning of these glands is essential to your health. In addition to specific medical treatments, one of the regular recommendations for cystic fibrosis patients is exercise. Some patients have reached advances in their treatment by practicing Bikram yoga.
Bikram Yoga
Bikram yoga is a discipline of yoga also known as hot yoga or hot room yoga. Bikram yoga consists of 26 postures adapted from hatha yoga. The sequence of the postures and structure of Bikram yoga was created by Bikram Choudhury. The key to successfully practicing Bikram yoga is not only to perform the 26 postures but to do so in a room with a temperature between 95 and 105 degrees Fahrenheit.
Benefits of Bikram Yoga
The benefits of Bikram yoga are often varied. However, regular Bikram practitioners achieve weight loss, elimination of toxins from the skin, physical fitness and mental clarity.
Benefits of Bikram Yoga for Cystic Fibrosis
Cystic fibrosis patients are generally advised to exercise on most days, if not every day. Keeping your body active helps to ensure your bodily processes are functioning properly. Staying physically active helps reduce the severity of cystic fibrosis symptoms and strengthen your lungs. Due to the continued movement and room temperature of Bikram yoga, your body sweats and removes wastes that may be clogging your glands or pores. This can reduce the likelihood of susbstances accumulating and prompting negative symptoms.
Considerations
Bikram yoga is very challenging given the number of postures and the temperature of the room. You should consult your physician to determine whether it is a healthy alternative for you if you have cystic fibrosis, particularly if you have a co-existing condition such as heart or lung disease or asthma. If your physician approves of your participation, be sure to let your instructor know that you suffer from cystic fibrosis symptoms -- this will allow him to teach you adjustments and help to monitor your status during the session.
