Yoga

Can anyone tell me if they suffer with chronic pain whether they have tried Yoga and meditation and whether it had any effect with there pain?

[peck]

I've never tried as a bad ankle prevents alot but others do.Im sure someone will come along with some info.Good luck.Peck☺

[Lou1062]

I do Tai Chi, very slow movements, and mindfulness meditation takes practice but I find it helpful xx

[Sorebones]

I would love to do it but can't because of osteoarthritis. Especially in my knees! I couldn't do any form of lunging position, the thought is too ouchy.

My mum does line dancing and she says it helps her. I think if you have a chat with a yoga instructor they should be able to tell you about classes suitable for medical problems 🐸

[TheAuthor]

Hi Wrighty1389

I have undertaken some mindfulness but alas the effects did not last too long for me. I want to genuinely wish you all the best of luck.

All my hopes and dreams for you

Ken

[Joyia in reply to TheAuthor]

Mindfulness needs to be continually practised until we become more skilled at recognising the monkey mind! x

[Angelseven]

I go to yoga class once a week. It is a small group (only four of us) and we all have health issues.

I am very lucky to have a brilliant teacher who knows me and my limitations well. The class is gentle paying attention to all our needs.

It can be painful at times but is generally very beneficial.

My advice would be to make sure that you find a good teacher and make her/ him aware of your illness. A small group is better so that you do get some individual attention.

Best of luck.

Jane 

[habinns17]

Hi there

I have been doing yoga for the past 4 years since being diagnosed with fm. i find that sometimes it can be very tiring but it is also very relaxing and it provides my body with the stretches it requires. My advice would be to try a beginners/gentle hatha yoga class or yin yoga class as both are very low impact. It is important to discuss your health issues with the teacher so that they can give you adaptations as required. Good luck and enjoy. x

[deejames]

Meditation yes. Particularly Mindful meditation for help in dealing with difficulties like chronic pain. I've had times recently when I've neglected it and have noticed the difference in my sleep and emotional well-being. The internet is a wealth of free or cheap apps for guided practice but if you are close enough to a class that's better. I learnt on my own because their was no one near but I'd still like some support.

Its highly recommended by this woman .

Dee

[Cuddles1979]

Hi.

I am trying out both yoga and meditation at the moment. I find I have to be very aware of my limitations at yoga so as to not overdo it but find it useful in giving my body a good stretch as well as the relaxation benefits. Meditation takes a lot of practice so jury is still out on how this will fair.

I hope you find this helpful and you find something that works for you.

[aura2]

I have meditated for 30yrs I find it excellent to help with pain also sleep .i often meditate to get back to sleep in the middle of the night . You can practise yoga sitting down if you don't want a class look out for easy yoga DVD .    

[JoyW]

I have a variety of health issues including Fyrbomyalgia and have been doing yoga for about six years and think it is very important to have a good instructor.  I go to a class once a week and although I often 'suffer' after affects from the class I know that it is keeping me from completely seizing up in the long run.  Before each class our instructor will ask if there is anything she should know regarding health which may affect us during the class and it then gives her the chance to adapt a certain pose to cater for our problem.  She is always telling us it's not a competition and only go as far as our own body is comfortable with.  I know there is any amount of videos online but would suggest you try it out with a proper instructor first.

[Joyia]

Yes learning Mindfulness meditation has been a great help.  It teaches you to focus on "this moment" for instance whatever you are doing you really focus on just that rather than the thoughts that keep going round and round in your mind especially about the past or the future.  There is so much more happening than just our pain and it is the raising of awareness to "the power of now" that provides huge relief.     Contrary to what one may imagine it does not mean you never think or plan for the future, but what you do learn is nothing is guaranteed, the only true reality is "this moment, moment to moment".  Your pain will still be around until you find solutions but it does not have to take over, we are more than our pain.

Hope this helps.