Gentle Yoga For Neuropathy: Why Not?

Today's short post from neuropathydr.com (see link below) returns to yoga as being one of the possible pain-relieving therapies for neuropathy. In this case it's called 'gentle' yoga and as far as I'm concerned personally, 'gentle' is exactly what it needs to be. Living with a condition where movement itself can be painful, the idea of joining the yoga fanatics, downward doggily on their mats, fills me with horror but the yoga exercise described below...that I can do and what's more, I can see the sense in it. It's up to you of course and everybody's experience is different but following the advice in the article of getting good advice and trawling through the millions of YouTube videos until you find the gentle yoga that will benefit you, may well bring you benefits you hadn't expected. Listen to your body and then listen to your yoga instructor...in that order. Remember, the neuropathy patient's mantra always needs to be; 'keep an open mind'.

A Simple and Effective Treatment for Foot Neuropathy: Gentle Yoga 
by Editor | Jan 29, 2018

Ease the pain of neuropathy in feet with a simple yoga practice—even if you’ve never done yoga before.

Peripheral neuropathy can be an aggravating and chronic condition, and it’s tough to treat using traditional medications. But there’s a treatment you can do on your own—in a class, or at home—that can be very beneficial over time, and that’s gentle yoga.

Yoga isn’t just about spiritual growth or physical fitness anymore. Many neuropathy patients are finding that simple yoga poses can alleviate uncomfortable tingling or numbness in the fingers and toes. Best of all, many basic yoga poses are easy to learn and don’t require special equipment.

Some of the benefits of a regular yoga practice include: 
 
Increased circulation to the hands and feet. Many yoga poses use the pull of gravity to shift habitual blood flow patterns, particularly to the feet. (Don’t worry, this doesn’t require a headstand!) 

Improved body self-awareness. A regular yoga practice can help you connect with your body sensations and really notice what your body is telling you. 

Relaxation and peacefulness. A simple, non-strenuous yoga practice for 10 to 30 minutes before bed can help you relax and sleep better. Or, if you prefer, use yoga as a gentle wake-up practice in the morning to set a peaceful tone for your day.

In general, yoga is a wonderful form of self-care that can be modified for your own unique physical goals and needs.

If you have no experience with yoga, it’s best to begin with assistance from a teacher. You can look for a local “gentle yoga” class or use a beginning yoga DVD as a guide at home.

Here’s one very simple yoga technique to get you started with relief for your feet. Sit cross-legged with your shoes and socks off. Weave your fingers one by one through the toes of the opposite foot, and hold this position for about 20 seconds. Then, switch to using the other hand and foot. You may want to do this 2 or 3 times for each foot.

For more information on coping with autonomic neuropathy, get your Free E-Book and subscription to the Weekly Ezine “Beating Neuropathy” at http://neuropathydr.com

http://neuropathydr.com/yoga-for-foot-neuropathy/