Yoga for Eczema + Psoriasis: The Holistic Approach to Healing
If you suffer from eczema or psoriasis, you know how frustrating and uncomfortable it can be. While there are many treatments available, some people prefer to explore natural remedies. One such option is yoga, which has been shown to have numerous benefits for both physical and mental health. In this guide, we'll explore yoga for eczema + psoriasis symptoms, as well as for improvements to overall skin health.
The Benefits of Yoga for Eczema + Psoriasis Treatment
Yoga is an ancient practice that combines meditation, breathing exercises + physical poses.
Yoga has a whole host of health benefits. These include:
Improving flexibility
Better posture
Greater muscle tone
Reduce stress
Greater sleep quality
Better bone health
Boosts immunity
Reduces blood pressure
Improves mood
Increases blood flow
As if all those benefits weren't enough, research shows that yoga is also good for our skin.
Yoga can be a helpful tool for managing eczema + psoriasis symptoms in a variety of ways. First, the physical postures, or asanas, can help improve circulation and reduce inflammation in the body. This can lead to a reduction in eczema flare-ups and a decrease in overall skin irritation. Additionally, the breathing techniques, or pranayama, used in yoga can help reduce stress and anxiety, which are common triggers for eczema + psoriasis. Finally, the meditative aspect of yoga can help improve overall mental health, which can have a positive impact on eczema + psoriasis symptoms as well.
A recent study found that those who regularly practice yoga have 22% fewer inflammation indicators. Reducing inflammation is essential for tackling eczema + psoriasis.
Yoga is an excellent way to tackle stress. As we know, eczema + psoriasis can be extremely stressful conditions. Stress causes inflammation, which worsens the symptoms of skin conditions. It is easy to get trapped in a flare-up- stress cycle! Therefore, tackling stress is vital for those with eczema or psoriasis. Stress also creates elevated levels of cortisol, which can cause acne + tired-looking skin. Reduced stress also contributes to the release + balance of melatonin (the sleep hormone). Sleep is essential for eczema + psoriasis patients, as this is when our skin repairs + renews itself.
Yoga may also help with the digestive issues many eczema + psoriasis sufferers face. According to the Leaky Gut Theory, skin conditions may be caused by toxins escaping from our intestines + being released into our bloodstream. Twisting poses are the best yoga positions for improving digestive health.
Yoga, like any exercise, increases your heart rate. This improves circulation and causes blood to rush to the skin's surface. The blood delivers oxygen and nutrients to the skin, which can lead to a healthier, 'glowy' appearance.
Inversions are the best yoga positions to try if you are looking to improve the appearance of your skin + tackle the symptoms of skin conditions. Inversions are yoga positions which involve your heart being higher than your head. These positions improve blood flow to the face, which helps scar recovery + maintains skin elasticity.
Yoga Poses to Help Ease the Symptoms of Eczema + Psoriasis
If you suffer from eczema or psoriasis, incorporating yoga into your daily routine can be a great way to manage your symptoms. Here are some of the best yoga poses for eczema + psoriasis relief:
Downward Facing Dog- Downward facing dog is a calming pose that can improve blood flow. Squat slowly and then straighten your legs, whilst you learn forward so your fingertips touch the floor. With each inhale stretch your core a little more. Exhale and inhale slowly whilst you hold the pose for at least 1 minute.
Bridge- Many eczema sufferers also have asthma, and the bridge pose is thought to reduce these symptoms. The Bridge Pose is excellent for calming inflammation associated with eczema + psoriasis flare-ups as it increases circulation in specific areas of the body including our face neck shoulders – all prime suspect zones when it comes to having eczema or psoriasis breakout! Start by lying flat on your back with both feet placed firmly onto the ground hip-width apart away from each other raise both legs simultaneously by pushing down on the soles of each foot using the energy within both hands bridge up so that you create an arc shape above then hold here for no more than 5 breaths..release & repeat 3 more times
Cat-Cow- This yoga position is beneficial for the spine + improves balance. The Cat/Cow poses are great for promoting circulation throughout the entire body, helping to detoxify from the inside out which is essential for managing eczema + psoriasis flares. To get into this position: start by sitting in a kneeling position with your back straight and hips squared forward. Let your arms rest on either side of your knees and make sure they are parallel to each other while inhaling begin to arch your spine towards the ceiling like a stretching cat then as you exhale round downwards towards the floor like a sleeping cow; transition between these two motions for 8-10 rounds of breath before settling into an easy position such as Child’s poses.
Childs Pose- Child’s pose is proven to be an extremely beneficial form of relaxation within Yoga as it stretches through the lower back and soothes the sciatic nerve. This can help by alleviating symptoms associated with eczema + psoriasis. Begin by kneeling and straightening out your legs. Keep feet + toes flexed and situate buttocks atop heels. Gently lower your forehead onto the ground creating a right angle. Breathe deeply here for at least 1 minute.
Lion Pose (Simhasana)- The Lion pose is a yoga pose that can be beneficial in relieving Eczema + Psoriasis symptoms. The pose helps open up the chest, improving circulation and allowing the skin to breathe. Here’s how to perform it: Kneel on all fours and take a few deep breaths while descending the chin towards the chest. Then, reach your hands out in front of you with palms facing down and curl your fingers back like claws. Stay here for 8-10 breaths before resuming to starting position.
Plow Pose- This reclining posture increases circulation that can help reduce itching sensations associated with eczema or psoriasis flares while calming redness & irritation in problem areas. Lie flat on your stomach and bring both legs together at one time raising them backward until your toes touch the wall behind you. If possible extend arms forwards so that shoulder tips meet. Keep this shape for about 10 full breaths focusing on lengthening the spine and even further widening shoulder width if comfortable.
Cobra Pose- The Cobra Pose is another effective posturing option when dealing with Eczema + Psoriasis as it opens the chest cavity which helps target many stressed, troubled regions. Start off lying stretched across the mat, belly facing downward. Life your upper body, using the strength within your thumb and +knuckles, and press your elbows firmly against the floor. Let go of any tightness and release after 30 seconds.
For best results, try a yoga session 2-3 times a week. Do your research first, and then a style and agility level which suits you. There are many classes available at local gyms + studios. YouTube is also an amazing (free!) resource. Remember to sip water throughout your class. Stop immediately if you feel any pain or discomfort.
If you have a physical injury/condition which prevents you from participating in some poses, you may wish to explore breathing exercises and/or meditation. These will have many of the same benefits as traditional yoga.
Breathing Techniques to Calm the Mind and Body
In addition to yoga poses, incorporating breathing techniques into your practice can also help calm the mind and body. One effective technique is called "pranayama," which involves controlling the breath to promote relaxation and reduce stress. One simple pranayama technique is called "alternate nostril breathing," where you use your fingers to alternate blocking one nostril at a time while inhaling and exhaling. Another technique is "deep belly breathing," where you focus on breathing deeply into your belly rather than shallowly into your chest. These techniques can be practiced on their own or incorporated into your yoga practice for added relaxation and stress relief.
Incorporating Mindfulness and Meditation into Your Practice
In addition to the physical benefits of yoga for eczema + psoriasis, incorporating mindfulness and meditation into your practice can also have a positive impact on your skin health. Mindfulness involves being present in the moment and focusing on your thoughts and feelings without judgment. This can help reduce stress and anxiety, which are common triggers for eczema + psoriasis flare-ups. Meditation, on the other hand, involves quieting the mind and focusing on a specific object or thought. This can help improve overall mental health and reduce stress, which can also improve eczema + psoriasis symptoms. Consider adding a few minutes of mindfulness or meditation to your yoga practice to enhance its healing benefits.
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