Living with chronic disease and chronic pain, such as an autoimmune disease like myself, could feel like a never-ending fight, as it subjects you to chronic pain, chronic inflammation, and exhausting states of remission and relapses throughout the journey.
It has been proven that yoga is an excellent method to reduce inflammation and boost immunity. Yoga makes an excellent practice for women suffering from an autoimmune disease, as it concentrates on restoring the function and performance of the body and mind. For people with autoimmune specifically, I suggest Yin Yoga, restorative yoga or gentle yoga.
Yoga nourishes the nervous system
Practicing yoga is proven to nourish the nervous system which can aid in reducing chronic pain. Yoga broadens the horizons of the mind, and it nourishes your mental well-being in the process. It is extremely important for anyone suffering from an autoimmune disease, or anyone in general, to have a healthy state of mind and body.
Yoga boosts immunity
During cold and flu season keeping immunity up is of super importance. Studies show yoga helps boost immunity and strengthens the body. I have found that when I practice yoga regularly, my resilience is greatly improved!
Yoga balances hormones
Practicing yoga also helps maintain healthy hormone balance. And not just sex hormones either! Yoga supports the whole endocrine system. In fact, each of the 7 chakras of yoga are associated with an endocrine system gland.
I suggest practicing yoga for 15 minutes in the morning and evening, to help support healthy hormone balance. I find yoga to be a useful alternative to hormone medications which can be tricky to regulate.
Yoga changes your mindset
It is important to maintain a healthy mindset in order to cope with the challenges of autoimmune disease and many other chronic diseases we see today. Yoga is considered an effective medium to encourage a positive mindset. Yoga will also help you befriend your body. When our health fails, it’s common to feel like the body is betraying you. The word yoga means “to unite”. So, if you are feeling disconnected from your body, give yoga a try.
In my Thrive Body Program, moving your body every day is an important practice to enjoy – so why not give yoga a try! I did, and my body thanks me every day for it!!
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