There is a great deal of research regarding the benefits of yoga for IBS treatment.
Irritable bowel syndrome affects approximately 55 million Americans, and primarily women [1]. Symptoms that accompany IBS include constipation, stomach cramps, and diarrhea.
Treatment methods including yoga are proving beneficial…
…and noninvasive in the prevention of the symptoms related to IBS.
In a randomized study published in 2011 in Trials, titled “Protocol for a randomized controlled study of Iyengar yoga for youth with irritable bowel syndrome,” the use of yoga for IBS treatment was documented.
This study was financed by the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine and The Oppenheimer Seed Grant for Complementary, Alternative, and Integrative Medicine [3].
The research notes that IBS is related to emotional stress, which exacerbates the symptoms related to IBS.
These symptoms can have a dramatic impact on daily functioning and the quality of life ❗
In the study, which is focused on young adults ages 14 to 26, practitioners looked at the “potential benefits of Iyengar yoga on clinical symptoms, psycho-spiritual functioning, and visceral sensitivity” [3].
As this study is ongoing, results have yet to be reported. However, the use of scientific methods in studying yoga for IBS is a boost for the alternative medicine market.
Unfortunately in this study, the terms associated with CAM including essential oils, massage therapy, yoga, and acupuncture were grouped as one unit.
Therefore, subjects who use CAM for their IBS did not give a definitive response to the benefit of each practice.
In short, the overall findings were that the CAM discussed including yoga was proven as a therapeutic measure in reducing the symptoms of IBS [4].
Exercise releases tension in the muscles while increasing endorphins ✔
As an aerobic exercise, yoga can beneficially lower stress and reduce IBS symptoms [5]. One of the most beneficial yoga movements is abdominal breathing.
As a result, patients can slow their heart rate and help to clear their minds by deep breathing, both of which are related to reducing stress [6].
Individuals who are suffering from IBS symptoms can focus on particular yoga postures that are helpful, such as bends and twists [6].
For instance, Apanasana or knee-to-chest pose can help stimulate the abs. Twists including the Jathara Parivrtti, or revolved twist, can reduce pressure in the stomach region.
Then there is Tadasana, the standing pose with hands on the hips. First, take a deep breath then exhale while bending forward using your hip joints. Then, lengthen your torso as you move forward and keep your knees as straight as possible.
Place your palms of your hands or your fingertips onto the ground either beside your feet or in front of you, whichever feels comfortable. After that, cross your arms in front of you and hold your elbows.
Lastly, allow your head to hang loosely as you practice deep breathing. Hold this pose for 30 seconds up to one minute. In addition, don’t roll your spine and keep your tailbone pressed down into the pelvis.
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Resource:
[1] http://www.webmd.com/ibs/default.htm
[2] http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/17490849
[3] http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3033835/
[4] http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2642499/
[5] http://www.livestrong.com/article/428636-hormones-exercise-and-irritable-bowel-syndrome/
[6] http://www.yogajournal.com/health/781
[7] http://www.yogajournal.com/poses/478
