Autoimmune skin disorders like psoriasis have been the talk of the town for years now. They involve the rapid growth of skin cells, leading to the formation of plaques. Most patients struggling with psoriasis experience itchy and painful scaly patches on their skin. Not just physically, the implications of these chronic ailments also directly impact …
Autoimmune skin disorders like psoriasis have been the talk of the town for years now. They involve the rapid growth of skin cells, leading to the formation of plaques. Most patients struggling with psoriasis experience itchy and painful scaly patches on their skin. Not just physically, the implications of these chronic ailments also directly impact one’s mental well-being. This explains why finding holistic treatment options is quintessential. Can Yoga Help Psoriasis? Yoga helps manage the treatments more proactively, working as a complementary therapy in addition to the primary line of care like Phototherapy for psoriasis.
If you are curious to know whether yoga can help psoriasis, this guide provides all the relevant details.
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ToggleWhat is Psoriasis?
Before discussing the importance of yoga in helping with psoriasis symptoms, we must first understand the basics.
As we mentioned, psoriasis is an autoimmune condition marked by skin outgrowth, which inflames the skin and covers it with silvery scales. The overactive immune system speeds up the growth cycle of the skin cells, leading to complications.
In patients with psoriasis, the skin’s growth cycle shifts from 28-30 days to 3-4 days, resulting in a build-up of the skin.
There seems to be a lack of insights regarding the exact cause of psoriasis. That said, it is believed that the complication is due to hereditary complications or due to environmental factors. Certain triggers, such as stress, skin injuries, infections, certain medications, and weather changes, can also exacerbate the symptoms of psoriasis.
What is the Connection Between Stress and Psoriasis?
When discussing the role of yoga in healing psoriasis, we must understand the trigger factor behind it: Stress.
The body’s response to stress can exacerbate the immune system’s overactivity, leading to increased inflammation and worsening psoriasis symptoms. Yoga can play a pivotal role in this connection between stress and psoriasis.
When you experience stress, your body’s first reaction is to trigger the release of cortisol, the stress hormone. Cortisol, in turn, increases the risks of inflammation in the body, leading to the symptoms of psoriasis. Additionally, stress can lead to a weakened immune system, making the body more susceptible to other triggers that may cause a psoriasis flare-up.
Performing yoga involves physical postures, breathing exercises, and meditation to promote relaxation and reduce stress. Since yoga has direct benefits in managing stress levels, it effectively helps reduce the frequency and severity of psoriasis flare-ups, making it a valuable complementary therapy for those living with the condition.
How Does Yoga Help in Treating Psoriasis?
Yoga has physical and mental health benefits, including helping alleviate the symptoms of psoriasis.
Physical health benefits
Since psoriasis manifests primarily as a physical skin disorder, yoga’s health benefits also target the symptoms physically, helping individuals work through the complications and lead healthier lives.
Reduce inflammation
One of the main contributors to psoriasis is inflammation, which is usually caused by excess cortisol. Certain yoga poses, such as gentle twists and inversions, can help reduce inflammation. These poses not only improve blood circulation but also assist in proper lymphatic drainage, which keeps toxins out of the body, thereby keeping the inflammation in check.
Boost immune function
Since psoriasis is primarily an autoimmune disorder, optimizing your immune function is quintessential for managing the symptoms of this skin disorder. Yoga has a direct influence on optimizing and improving the body’s immune function by reducing stress hormones. Performing yoga has also been found to improve the production of immune-boosting cells. This can help regulate the immune system’s response and prevent the excessive growth of skin cells that characterize psoriasis.
Improve skin health
Most of the yoga poses you do have a direct influence on the body’s blood circulation, which is key in improving skin health. The improved circulation also has a direct influence on removing toxins from the body, which helps keep your well-being in check and the symptoms of psoriasis in control.
Enhanced detoxification
Yoga stimulates the body’s detoxification processes by improving lymphatic drainage, digestion, and elimination. A body free from toxins may experience fewer psoriasis flare-ups and faster recovery times.
Mental health benefits
Yoga impacts your physical and mental well-being, which is another factor that plays a pivotal role in keeping the symptoms in check.
Reduce stress
One of the most common triggers behind psoriasis is stress. When your body is under stress, it leads to inflammation, which, in turn, contributes to the worsening psoriasis symptoms. Yoga involves deep breathing and meditation practice, which helps calm the nerves and reduce the stress response in the body. This can reduce the psoriasis flare-ups triggered by stress.
Relaxation and mindfulness
Yoga encourages mindfulness, which involves being present and accepting one’s current state without judgment. For individuals with psoriasis, practicing mindfulness can help reduce the psychological burden of living with a chronic skin condition and promote a more positive outlook.
Better sleep cycle
Many individuals suffering from psoriasis often struggle with getting proper sleep at night. It could be due to discomfort or itching. Yoga can improve sleep quality by promoting relaxation and reducing anxiety. A good night’s sleep is essential for skin repair and overall health, making it a crucial component of psoriasis management.
What are the Precautions to Keep in Mind When Performing Yoga for Psoriasis?
Undoubtedly, yoga has quintessential benefits in keeping psoriasis symptoms in check. However, that doesn’t take away from the fact that you must prioritize safety when performing these poses.
Following are a few precautions to keep in mind:
- If this is your first time performing yoga, it is ideal that you do so under an instructor’s training. This prevents accidents and ensures that you are performing yoga correctly.
- Psoriasis can cause discomfort, and some yoga asanas for psoriasis treatment may exacerbate symptoms. Listening to your body and avoiding poses that cause pain or discomfort is essential.
- One of the most common triggers of psoriasis is hot and humid surroundings. Therefore, you should avoid performing hot yoga or vigorous styles of yoga that cause excessive sweating.
- Keeping your skin hydrated is vital to controlling your psoriasis symptoms. So, ensure that you are drinking an adequate amount of water every day.
- If using props such as yoga mats, blankets, or bolsters, choose materials that are gentle on the skin and free from irritants.
Conclusion
The benefits and effectiveness of yoga in managing psoriasis symptoms seem complicated. However, you must understand that yoga is a complementary therapy. You have to prioritize getting proper psoriasis treatment in india and not rely solely on yoga for managing the symptoms.
Proper treatment of psoriasis starts with the correct diagnosis. Our specialists at Kayakalp Global, with decades of experience and expertise, have helped thousands of people across India regain control over their lives despite the woes of psoriasis.
To schedule your consultation, contact us at +91-9599794433.
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