What kind of yoga?

[karenknispel]

Hello all,

I was just wondering if there is a particular type of yoga that seems to work for people. Any suggestions?

Thanks!

[Julie B]

We had a physical therapist present at our IC Support Group meeting in November. She was fantastic. She recommended a style, I don't remember the name, but you can see the recommendations on the group's webpage: Beaumont Meeting (http://nutraconsults.com/Beaumont%20IC%20Support%20Group.html)

Also, Jill has a video here on ICN: IC Yoga Tape (http://icnshop.com/cgi-bin/ustorekeeper.pl?command=goto&file=Exercise_And_Fitness.html&rtn=jb)

If anyone has used any of these resources, I would love to hear from you!

[kadi]

I just went & tried out classes marked "gentle" yoga at my local yoga studio. Also there was a class called "Yoga & Deep Relaxation", that I really liked.

Probably a good idea to avoid "Bikram" or "Hot" yoga. You are exercising in a very warm room (upper 90 degrees) and most of our meds inhibit sweating (Elavil, Ditropan, Atarax,Detrol etc.), making this a possibly dangerous idea for us.

Good luck, hope you find something you like:)

[Katrina Klein]

I just went & tried out classes marked "gentle" yoga at my local yoga studio. Also there was a class called "Yoga & Deep Relaxation", that I really liked.

Probably a good idea to avoid "Bikram" or "Hot" yoga. You are exercising in a very warm room (upper 90 degrees) and most of our meds inhibit sweating (Elavil, Ditropan, Atarax,Detrol etc.), making this a possibly dangerous idea for us.

Good luck, hope you find something you like:)
Kadi;

With over 20 yrs. experience teaching Bikram's series of healing hatha yoga I have witnessed many students help to return their internal systems to optimal health. There may not be a cure for all, however, this series systematically moves fresh oxygenated blood carrying nutrients to all organs, systems are flushed. The science is in the physiology of our bodies. I strongly suggest anyone with digestive problems give the Bikramyoga.com website a visit to educate themselves from testimonials around the world. If you or anyone has any question please contact. Be well. Katrina

[kadi]

Like anything else, each person needs to decide what to do based on their own body & what they know to be true about his/herself. For me, I have fainted in high temperatures before, without even the meds I'm on now, so it would be a very bad idea for me to try it.

Many healthy people have difficulty with the high temperatures & difficulty of the Bikram classes. If someone with IC wants to try it, I strongly suggest talking to your doctor & pharmacist to make sure the high temperatures & activity level are appropriate with the meds you are taking. The consequences of disregarding prescription label warnings about high temperatures are quite severe & need to be taken seriously. Also many IC patients use yoga as a way to return to exercise after a period of inactivity and Bikram may be too difficult as a start to return to fitness.

That said, I have a friend with IC who loves the Bikram classes & has had some reduction in pain level taking the classes. She however, drinks large amounts of water daily, and is not on meds that inhibit sweating or have warning labels about high temperatures. She cleared her participation with her doctor first.

Anyhow, like everything else, this is a very individual decision & what works for one IC patient may be problematic for others...

[Elle]

I don't know what type of yoga it is, but if someone is looking for a cheap way to try a type of yoga that is gentle, I would reccommend the beginner's yoga tape with the ball that is sold at Target ($30). I tried it a few years ago and really enjoyed it. I have constant pelvic pain which made rolling on the ball a bit uncomfortable at first, but it helped the pain in my lower back tremendously. If you want to try it, just be sure that you get the correct size ball for your height (there's a chart on the box). When my ball was burst apart (a 2 year old with a pencil around anything inflatable is never a good idea :) ), I bought a replacement ball that was too large. It's too big for me to do the exercises with. So, my kids now have a super-sized basketball to throw around!

[Katrina Klein]

I just went & tried out classes marked "gentle" yoga at my local yoga studio. Also there was a class called "Yoga & Deep Relaxation", that I really liked.

Probably a good idea to avoid "Bikram" or "Hot" yoga. You are exercising in a very warm room (upper 90 degrees) and most of our meds inhibit sweating (Elavil, Ditropan, Atarax,Detrol etc.), making this a possibly dangerous idea for us.

Good luck, hope you find something you like:)
Kadi;

Bikram is supposed to be for healing with 90-105 max. temperature. As our bodies are 98.6 this is not (unfortuneately) how some teachers choose to introduce hatha bikram style. the best part is you do only what you can, we work specifically digestive organs, systems; to restore to optimal health. I put it on to many newbie teachers, pushing bikram style for those whom really need to slow down. I am sorry your experience was not helpful. I do suggest wind removing pose & half tortoise; which may be practiced at home with no heat out of sequence & still receive medical benefits. I have taught, helped many bed ridden chronic ill elderly wind removing pose; specially for helping with our shared diagnosis. So many of U.S. citizens suffer; needlessly. My heart goes to all of us. You can usually get a copy of the bikram beginners book from your local library. Copy those two postures & practice to help alleviate chronic digestive pains. ALWAYS I instruct students to listen to their inner voice; their own bodies & especially adhere to their Doctor's adivce. I admire your perserverance & as a nationally registered Yoga Alliance at the highest level; support all styles of yoga. Thank you for your response. I do also recommend the book by Covert Bailey, Smart Exercise. Be well,

Sincerely, Katrina Klein

[Yogajo37]

There are many kinds of yoga that area available. Depending on ou current state of health. Svaroopa or restorative yoga is a very gentle and supportive style as every part of our bodies is supported with props and this style tends to concentrait on the pelvic floor alignment a lot.

Vinyassa, is a series of poses that are done in a flow method. It is great for a good solid workout because in addition to the poses the connect flow style allows your heart to work as well so it is a light- moderate cardio workout as well. Within vinyassa there are many types of classes some with heat and some without. I would experement to see which is most friendly with your body.

Yin Yoga is a geantle but intense practice as it asks us to hold postures (mostly seated) for 5 minutes.

Overall, I swear by yoga, it has kept me off all my meds. Depending on what my body needs that day is the type of yogag I practice. One word of caustion. Yoga postures are created to support you in finding enlightenment so that you can understand you better. In that, you have to be true to yourself. Just becase the person next to you is in a complet backbend and looks amazing does not mean you have to do it. Let you body...not your mind...guide you through your practice. The ego and competitive nature that I have have gotten me i trouble in the past with my practice. Compassion for myself as well as others is as much the benefit of my practice as the phyical gains I get.

If you want more infor please feel free to contact me.
Joelle