Yoga Means Union

Yoga and Chronic Illness & Disability: Interview with Donna

Yoga Means Union

Background and Technique:

1. What inspired you to become a yoga instructor, and what training or certifications have you completed?  Many years ago I was struggling with sciatica, a muscle type pain down the back of my right leg.  It almost felt as if I had to kick something to release it (oh my).  I found my way to yoga and other alternative approaches but yoga was the core strength I needed; and it worked.  Not only did it help with my balance and sciatica, but also after a bike accident, it helped again both physically but mostly mentally.  As a therapist, I found it invaluable so I started getting more and more interested.  During covid I got certified as a 200hr yoga instructor.  I then offered my community some classes called, “Yoga for Anxiety” during the pandemic.  This online certification came from Kripalu, a retreat in the Berkshires.  I also trained with a group called “Yogamu.”

2. Can you explain how yoga works and how it can benefit someone physically, mentally, and emotionally?  The current trauma treatments all talk about how “The Body Keeps the Score” (Van der Kolk).  Yoga is one of the oldest “somatic” type methods in the world!  Yoga means union.  It helps the body stretch and understand its strengths and limitations.  It also quiets the mind.  The breathwork can be completely accessible and useful in the regulation of stress.

3. Are there specific types of yoga or techniques you recommend for individuals living with chronic illnesses or disabilities?  I have explored the intersection of yoga and anxiety in my psychotherapy practice.  Certain types of holding poses and forward fold poses directly impact the release from “fascia” (tendons that hold pain somehow).  Legs up the wall pose helps facilitate the drainage of lymphatic fluid.  And child’s pose is known to be quite calming and comforting.  Knowing where your body is in space (“proprioception”) is another self-regulation technique, keeping yourself grounded in the “now.”  In addition, “pranayama” breath stimulates the vagus nerve and promotes bi-lateratal stimulation which is known to assist with panic and traumatic memories.

Chronic Illness, Disability, and Pain Management:

4. How can yoga help individuals experiencing chronic pain, joint stiffness, fatigue, or limited mobility?  All of these get benefits from yoga - from acceptance and awareness of our present conditions to providing more fluidity to bones and muscles and the structures that hold us.

5. Have you worked with individuals diagnosed with fibromyalgia, arthritis, lupus, or other chronic conditions? If so, what challenges or improvements have you observed? YES.  I absolutely observed that with these simple practices such as yoga and meditation people gain more space in their internal sense of self/being.

6. How do you modify yoga poses or breathing exercises for individuals with physical impairments or mobility limitations? Important question.  Yoga generally prescribes pushing into “edges” but not creating pain.  Individuals should speak out about any injuries and re-direct appropriately.  Backing off of a pose or making it easier with props etc. is favored.

7. How can yoga improve someone's quality of life even if their chronic illness or pain doesn't completely go away?  Yoga is known to foster “equanimity,” a Buddhist term for facing things with equal attention.  

8. Are there any conditions or physical limitations where certain yoga practices should be avoided?  Yes many.  Individuals should consult with their medical professionals before doing anything too challenging for their situation.

Effectiveness and Personal Perspective

9. How do you decide whether yoga is helping someone manage their symptoms or improve their daily functioning?  It would be ideal to have some measurements and research on this.  Not sure.

10. Can you share an example of how you adapted yoga for someone with chronic pain or a disability and what improvements they experienced, without identifying the person?  Yes, I have asked many teenage therapy clients to try some of the breathing exercises and poses and they often report it is productive for concentration, distraction, focus, sleep, etc.

11. How can yoga be incorporated alongside traditional medical treatments rather than replacing them?  Meditation can be highly effective in many settings - athletes, students, pain management etc.

12. What would you tell someone living with chronic pain who wants to try yoga but is afraid it might worsen their symptoms?  Try “Yin” yoga or “restorative yoga which are much slower.  Don’t try to work up a sweat, just take baby steps.  It’s not about competition.