When living with fibromyalgia, pain can become an ever-present enemy. This debilitating condition affects thousands of people, causing extreme fatigue, sleep disruption, and severe mood disturbances. Fibromyalgia is believed to stem from a distortion in how the brain interprets pain signals from the nervous system. Many cases seem to arise after an infection, surgery, stressful event, or injury, but it can also strike without an obvious cause.
For women who suffer from this condition, there is hope—yoga exercises have shown to help reduce physical pain and ease the psychological effects associated with fibromyalgia.
##Yoga’s Impact on Fibromyalgia
A study conducted at York University in England revealed that practicing yoga can alleviate fibromyalgia pain and its associated symptoms. Yoga influences the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis, which comprises the glands responsible for cortisol release.
Often, women with fibromyalgia have below-average cortisol levels, making them more sensitive to stress, pain, and fatigue. The research demonstrates that performing 75 minutes of yoga twice a week for a minimum of two months can increase your cortisol levels and help regulate the body’s production of cortisol throughout the day.
###Cortisol’s Role in Pain Regulation
Our cortisol levels typically peak 30-40 minutes after waking up in the morning before gradually declining throughout the day in preparation for sleep. Dysregulation in cortisol secretion occurs in women with fibromyalgia, according to researcher Kathryn Curtis. Hatha yoga can promote physical relaxation by reducing the activity of the sympathetic nervous system, lowering heart rate, and increasing breath volume.
Encompassing the majority of yoga types practiced in the western hemisphere, Hatha yoga includes styles such as vinyasa, which is believed to open the body’s energy channels and let energy flow more freely.
##Additional Health Benefits of Yoga
In addition to relieving fibromyalgia pain, yoga and other strengthening and balancing exercises can improve mood and overall well-being. By showcasing the transformative power of the mind and body, yoga can help individuals with chronic health issues better manage their symptoms.
While conventional medical practices often rely on medications to treat problems, yoga and other natural remedies demonstrate the potential for self-administered wellness. Exercises like yoga can promote healing that a doctor cannot provide.
###Getting Started with Yoga
Several easy-to-follow yoga videos are available on YouTube for those who don’t have access to local yoga studios. However, if you live near a studio, it is highly recommended you attend in-person classes. Part of what makes yoga a soothing, healing experience is the personal instruction received from an experienced teacher.
Before starting any new exercise regimen, it’s essential to consult a healthcare professional to ensure the practice aligns with your specific needs. Yoga can undoubtedly offer many benefits, like reducing fibromyalgia pain and improving overall well-being. But as with any exercise, the key to success is dedication and consistency. So roll out your mat and start your yoga journey today—for your body, your mind, and your spirit.
