Experience with yoga and its benefits?

[Oxfaced]

just wondering if anyone here is experienced the benefits of yoga on there condition?, how about other breathing work type exercise?,, ive always been interested and am looking into local groups when I have confidence to go, but just wondered if anyone here has tried this sort of thing and how if at all it has helped them?

[Caspiana]

Hello Oxfaced .

Yoga can be very calming. I know a few people with lung conditions who tell me it keeps them calm. I am not such a huge fan myself as keeping calm for me usually just requires some good reading material.

As for breathing exercises they do help strengthen and exercise the lungs. You can find lots of these on YouTube if you search for "COPD breathing exercises". I am sure the BLF must have material on it as well.

Sorry I can't be more helpful. I am sure someone more knowledgeable will come along shortly.

Take care.

Cas xx 😊

[knitter]

I have practised yoga, on and off for about thirty years, even before my damaging pneumonia.

Now I go to gentle yoga classes, but I have to be careful now and ' mindful' as years of steroids have weakened my bones and muscles. But my teacher adapts some movements for me.

I find my wheezing does lessen , and as caspiana says it calms and unites body and mind at the same time strengthening them. I find relaxation and meditation exercises help too. I started meditation with a qualified teacher at first, but I am starting a new online course today.

I also practice Buteyko Breathing, but that is not suitable for all, for example those with heart conditions or transplants. You should always check with a medical practioner first.

I also try and remember to breathe gently, through my nose, with a relaxed upper chest and diaphragm....belly breathing .....gentle and relaxed as much as possible at all times.

[Hidden]

Yoga tai chi any exercise is good for you within your own capacity and rest when you need to ....have a look on you tube for videos....dont not have the confidence to go you will enjoy it and wonder why you didn't go before any exercise can be adapted to your bodies needs and conditions xxxx

[Ergendl]

The British Lung Foundation has a list of singing groups for lung health and choirs on its website as singing is so beneficial for people with lung conditions.

[Ktomoph_]

I contacted the various yoga groups in my area sending an email to explain what my illnesses were, along with medications and treatments.

The one I go to is run by a lady who understands completely and runs different sessions for different types of people, with the one I attend being a gentle session with all participants having some form of illness and operations etc.

The teacher herself has had lung cancer and part of one lung removed. She is without doubt, the most lovely and calming yoga teacher I have ever had. Everything is to be done at your own pace, and eventually each position becomes a natural flowing movement(I laugh inwardly here at some of my attempts at graceful movement!)

I was advised not to attend after having recent CRT-D fitted by both the TEC guys and my yoga lady. But I am so looking forward to going back as it is just so calming and rewarding.

I hope you find one in your area that takes into account and understands your needs.

[hopetorun]

Here in bourmemouth we have somethimg called health circuits the classes are busy with people with lung conditions. It is really good. The youngest person is around 50 and the oldest is 85. The exercises are stood and sat no laying on the floor. You can see the improvement in people. This is working as a move on from pulmonary rehab.

I have also done beginners pilates but a lot of that is floor based. It is based around breathing exercises. I have found that it dose help in moving mucus.

So there are choices. All exercise is good. Group activities i think are better.

I hope you find something that suits you and your condition and you meet some new people in the process

Best wishes x

[PollyP]

Yes Yoga stretching and relaxing can be very helpful. Pranayama- the breath aspect of yoga can help with using all of the lungs and the diaphragm too.

I attend a 2 hr Yin Yoga class every month which is very beneficial.

Look at yinyoga.com for more information.

Best wishes

Pp

[btown]

Hi Oxfaced, I have practised Tai Chi for 12 months and on my last lung function test there had been a marked improvement, Tai Chi has many forms but because of other health complications I have started with the 18 form which is low impact and concentrates mainly on upper body movement and breathing.

I have just started to learn the 8 form which is a little more high impact so I will have to see how I get on with it.

Hope this helps

T😊

[Oxfaced]

awesome!< thank you for the inspiration!, and yeah your right ive no need to lack in confidence about going to a group activity, in fact that's what I really want to do!!,, your a supportive and positive bunch on here!, and that helps a lot!, thanx

[Phil40]

I think Pulminary Rehabilitation would have benefited my Mum if she had accessed it a couple of years ago when it may have helped.

I believe locally the course is a mixture of learning appropriate exercises to help and also education about COPD and how to manage the condition and how it progresses.

If someone had bothered to explain what was going on she might have helped herself more earlier.

I read your post about arguing with the doctor. I try hard to be assertive never aggressive or antagonistic as I have never obtained a positive outcome like that. I thoroughly read the NICE guidelines around COPD and have a degree to do with pharmacology so am aware of the guidelines regarding prescribing especially around pain relief. It has really helped to understand the GP’s perspective; for example whilst lorazepam is a recommended benzodiazepine for COPD it is totally contra-indicated for the elderly. So when the GP was not going to follow the Respiratory Nurse’s request to prescribe it to Mum I knew why and could explain why it was actually appropriate.

If you see what I mean.

Regards

Phil

[Carnival567]

I did yoga for eleven years after I had my stroke and although I know that is hardly lung disease I find that what I learnt then has kept me flexible and helped with breathing. If you are going to try it be careful what you do. Some kinds of yoga are more active than others. I did Hatha yoga, which is calm and relaxing. Also make sure your teacher has a recognised qualification xx

[Oxfaced]

Thanx again, and Phil40 thanx for the good advice, to be fair ive never once had a dispute with a doctor and the letter I gave to the practice manager happens to be the first letter of complaint ive ever made in my lifetime. I think a read of the NICE guidelines may be a good idea, but I'm not sure if that covers Scotland or not.

thanx everybody, will look at hatha and yin as a good place to start, your inspiration helps a lot, thankyou x