Yoga beneficial in treating fibromyalgia...

Lotus Blooming Yoga Retreat Marbella - Health Update...

A new study indicates that practicing yoga can reduce symptoms of chronic pain in women who suffer from fibromyalgia. The study is the first to examine the psychological and physical benefits of yoga in combating the symptoms of fibromyalgia. The investigation was specifically focused on the positive effects of yoga on cortisol levels in people with this often debilitating condition.

Predominantly affecting women, fibromyalgia can be particularly difficult to diagnose. Chronic fatigue and pain often accompany the condition and common symptoms can include: muscular stiffness, disturbed sleep, gastro-intestinal discomfort, depression and anxiety.

Previous research has indicated that women suffering from fibromyalgia tend to have markedly reduced cortisol levels compared to those of non-sufferers. Now, experts believe that the deficiency in cortisol may be responsible for the pain, fatigue and stress sensitivity that usually accompanies the condition.

The study showed that following a program of 75 minutes of hatha yoga twice a week over the course of two months, there was a marked increase cortisol levels in the participants’ saliva.

Cortisol is a steroidal hormone produced and released by the adrenal gland. It functions as a key component of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis and is released as a response to stress.

Hatha yoga is thought to promote relaxation by reducing the activity of the sympathetic nervous system, which in turn, lowers heart rate and increases breath volume. It is believed that this has a positive effect on the HPA axis.

The study is published in the Journal of Pain Research.

------------------------------

To find out more about relaxing yoga holidays at our sunny Marbella yoga retreat, click HERE to visit our main website.