Dailybloom® for IBS by
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Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) is a chronic gastrointestinal disorder affecting millions worldwide, often characterized by symptoms such as abdominal pain, bloating, and altered bowel habits.
Due to the complex nature of IBS, which involves both physiological and psychological components, identifying effective management strategies is essential for improving patients' quality of life.
Among the various therapeutic options, yoga has emerged as a promising complementary treatment. Yoga, a traditional "mind-body-breath" practice, aims to harmonize the mind, body, and spirit. As individuals search for effective ways to manage IBS symptoms, yoga stands out as a complementary approach to traditional treatments.
By fostering relaxation, mindfulness, and physical activity, yoga can help alleviate IBS symptoms while addressing contributing factors like stress and anxiety. As the link between the mind and gut gains more recognition in medical research, exploring the benefits of yoga offers a valuable opportunity to incorporate holistic practices into conventional treatment plans.
Various studies underscore yoga's potential to relieve gastrointestinal discomfort by focusing on mindfulness and stress reduction, critical factors since stress is a major trigger for IBS flare-ups.
Research shows that mindfulness practices can significantly improve IBS symptoms, suggesting that incorporating yoga could offer similar benefits by enhancing overall well-being and promoting relaxation(1).
Holistic interventions that integrate dietary adjustments with lifestyle practices like yoga address both the physiological and psychological dimensions of IBS.
By leveraging the calming effects of yoga, patients may experience a decrease in abdominal pain, bloating, and other IBS-related symptoms, ultimately enhancing their quality of life.
Specific yoga techniques and practices can serve as effective tools for managing IBS symptoms and improving overall gastrointestinal health. Practicing specific yoga poses has been acknowledged as an effective approach for easing digestive discomfort in individuals with IBS-related symptoms.
Postures such as Reclining postures (Supta Baddha Konasana, Supta Swastikasana), Standing postures (Ardha Chandrasana with chair, or as needed), Forward bends (Janu Sirsasana), Inversions (Adhomukha Svanasana with ropes, Pincha Mayurasana), Backbends (Viparita Dandasana, Purvottanasana on chairs) and Seated postures (Upavista Konasana) foster a gentle compression of the abdominal area, enhancing the movement of digestive organs and promoting regularity.
Below are specific asanas that help alleviate IBS symptoms in patients:
Enhances metabolic activities. This flowing sequence of poses generates heat and can improve digestion.
Warms the body and improves digestion. This backbend strengthens the spine and stimulates the abdominal organs.
Eliminates undigested material in the stomach. This advanced pose massages the abdominal organs and can help regulate digestion. (Note: This is a more challenging pose and may not be suitable for beginners.)
Boosts gastric fire. This pose stretches the hamstrings and massages the abdominal organs, stimulating digestion.
Stimulates jatharagni (digestive fire). This twist massages the abdominal organs, improves circulation, and can help relieve bloating.
These asanas done regularly improve quality of life and reduce distress. Moreover, these poses enhance the mind-body connection, which is vital due to the reciprocal relationship between psychological states and gastrointestinal health.
Certain studies have demonstrated that yoga mudras can effectively promote positive changes in the mind, body, and emotions. They have also been associated with a significant reduction in state anxiety levels (3).
The term "mudra" signifies a gesture, a mystic hand position, or even a symbol. Practicing various types of mudras is beneficial for health, providing physical, mental, and spiritual advantages. Certain mudras, such as Apana Mudra, Apana Vayu Mudra, Tadagi Mudra, and Pashinee Mudra, are especially helpful in alleviating IBS symptoms like constipation and anorexia (5).
Yoga includes postures, mudras, breathing exercises, and meditation, which can be easily practiced by most patients with minimal complications to enhance its therapeutic impact on IBS and encouraging a more patient-centered approach to care. Additionally, the yoga modality is designed to be cost-effective in managing IBS and its related comorbidities, such as anxiety, depression, and fatigue (4).
Dr. Pranav Shukla
MBBS, MD Anaesthesia
Disclaimer: This communication does not substitute advice of a medical/healthcare practitioner. Please consult your doctor/healthcare professional for any medical/healthcare advice. Although greatest possible care has been taken in preparation of this response, Dr Reddy's shall not be liable to any person for contents of the same. Images appearing herein are for illustration purposes only.
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