Yoga for Gout | Yoga Therapy
My husband suffers from gout. I've seen it first hand, how horrible these attacks can be. I used to laugh at him and tell him it's an 'old man's disease' but it's not. It's commonly known as the 'rich man's disease' and if only this disease really lived up to its reputation! Whatever the case, it's not pleasant and not just for the sufferer but the people who have to care for them. So, let's see whether this mini-yoga therapy program helps! Leave me a comment if it does :)
SPECIFIC ISSUE - GOUT
THE BENEFITS OF YOGA FOR THIS ISSUE (SYMPTOM CONTROL)
The traditional yogic lifestyle brings focus to a balanced diet that nourishes the body and treats it with due respect. In Christian yoga, this lifestyle is also necessary as stated in the Scriptures 1 Corinthians 6:19-20 "Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; you were bought at a price. Therefore honour God with your bodies.” Therefore, diet and nutrition plays a key role in our Christian walk.
Gout can be most noticeably improved with dietary changes in the body, firstly by avoiding foods that are oily and high in fats, animal fats, caffeine and foods that are high in purine content.
Yoga poses can be highly effective in the prevention of gout using poses that stimulate the kidneys and eliminating uric acid in the body. Kidneys help in the clearance of uric acid, which is expelled out of the body through urine. Specific yoga poses compress the kidneys and aid in the filtering process of purine. The yoga postures can increase flexibility of the affected joint areas and mobilise the deposit of uric acid crystals from the affected joint areas. The stretching, in general, can increase the blood circulation and prevent accumulation of uric aside crystals in the joint areas.
Breath work and meditation has been proven to reduce blood pressure levels and reduce anxiety, which in turn helps in the treatment of gout. These two modalities of yoga also help with pain management.
CONTRAINDICATIONS
If professional medical practitioner has advised against yoga
Dehydration can exacerbate gout attacks and symptoms. If dehydrated, do not exercise excessively or engage in yoga if it causes sweating.
Those with lower back pain or lower back injuries will need to take caution. Many of the gout treatment yoga poses involve back bending exercises to place pressure/increase compression on the kidneys.
During a gout attack, when the joints are inflamed and affected, do not START a yoga practice. It’s best to use yoga as a preventative treatment than a symptomatic treatment. However, it’s fine to continue your practice during a gout attack if you have been practising yoga for gout prevention and under the guidance and supervision of a trained yoga professional.
15-30 MINUTE FLOW
Easy Seated with Oceanic Breathing (10 breath cycles)
Hero pose (5 breath cycles)
Staff pose -> Sage pose (Left & Right)
Seated forward fold
Lying on back -> Knees to Chest
Lying extended leg (Left & Right)
Plow pose
Mountain pose
Triangle pose (Left & Right)
Lying on belly -> Cobra x 2
Crocodile (5 breath cycles)
Bow Pose
Childs Pose
REFERENCES:
http://www.yogawiz.com/askquestion/305/yoga-for-reducing-uric-acid-my-uric-acid-levels-ar.html
http://curativestudies.blogspot.com.au/2011/09/uric-acid-levelssymptoms-causes.html
http://www.thegoutremedies.com/yoga-for-treating-gout/
http://www.a2zyoga.com/blog/yoga-for-gout/
*Disclaimer:
These suggestions offered on www.lovejosephine.com are intended to complement and support the medical treatment targeting the specified issue, with the goal of enhancing the well-being of the patient. It is not intended to replace medical recommendations by your medical practitioners. It is highly recommended and, in most cases, essential that you stay compliant to the treatment advice given by a western medical professional. Prior to starting any physical programs, it is advised to get clearance from a medical professional. Upon medical clearance, the suggestions and educational resources offered on www.lovejosephine.com are meant to be observed and used in conjunction with medical treatment but not replace medical treatment.