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Yoga For Colitis And It's Health Benefits

Last Updated: Jan 20, 2025

Benefits of yoga for colitis

Colitis is a condition which occurs due to inflammation in the large intestine. A person suffering from the condition of colitis exhibits symptoms like abdominal cramping, blood in stool, and diarrhea. Researchers believe that one of the major causes of colitis is stress. The condition of colitis can be treated through medicines. However, if someone is looking for a natural and free of side effects, treatment for the condition of colitis is yoga. Yoga helps in alleviating the problem of colitis by eliminating digestive problems.

Through yoga, the gastric juices which are present in the intestine are rejuvenated which results in the elimination of the stomach ailments that are causing colitis. The blood circulation throughout the digestive system improves considerably in people practicing yoga which enhances the functioning of the digestive organs. Practicing yoga increases the flexibility of the intestine thereby stimulating its functioning. Studies have revealed that yoga is the best way of relieving mental stress but also physical stress. Yoga nearly alleviates all the condition which may cause colitis. Given below are some of the asanas of yoga that help in treating the problem of colitis.

Yoga asanas for colitis

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Cobra Pose

Lie on your stomach and place the palm of your hands beside your body. Now push your upper body off the ground, so that your legs and waist stay on the ground, but your neck, head and chest are raised. Your head should form a right angle to your legs. Hold this pose for a few seconds and go back to the initial pose.
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Seated Forward Bend

Sit straight and extend your legs in front of you, so that the knees are straight. Now bend your upper body so that your nose touches the knee region of your legs. With your hands, grab hold of your ankles. Hold this pose for a while and it will provide great relief regarding the colitis.
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Fire Breath

This is a simple yoga pose that requires you to sit with the heels of both leg folded on top of the thigh of the other leg. Ensure that your spine is straight and start by taking a deep breath through your nose. Release the breath with force and pull in your stomach. Repeat this procedure for 50 to 100 times, which will ensure perfect digestion and relief from colitis.
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Corpse Pose

Just lie flat on your back and keep your hands relaxed beside your body. Close your eyes and try to relax your entire body at once. Feel the heaviness seep in and concentrate on your breathing. Continue the pose for 15 to 20 minutes before getting back up. This is the simplest form of yoga and is a veritable relaxation exercise that will not only reduce stress but will also help you prevent colitis.
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Peacock Pose

Get on all fours and place your palms just beside your waist, so that the fingers point toward your leg. Now using the elbows as the support raise your entire body off the ground and hold as long as possible. This pose requires a lot of strength and balance, but when done right, it can provide relief to colitis patients.

Conclusion

In addition to yoga, a healthy diet aimed at reducing the symptoms of colitis plays an important role in alleviating the concerned problem. Food products which are low in fat are recommended to be added, as colitis may interfere with the fat absorption resulting in aggravating the condition. Foods that are low in fiber content can be incorporated in the diet as they not only reduce the abdominal cramps but also reduce the frequency of bowel movements.

The diet of the patient suffering from the problem of colitis must be lactose-free as it can aggravate the condition of colitis. Consuming a nutritionally balanced diet can be of great importance as diarrhea can lead to a loss of both nutrients and electrolyte. Banana can be great for a person suffering from the condition of colitis as it not only reduces its symptoms but also provides necessary nutrients. A person suffering from colitis must take his/her medicine regularly as advised by the doctor as it plays a significant role in the alleviation of the problem of colitis.

References

  • Cramer H, Schäfer M, Schöls M, Köcke J, Elsenbruch S, Lauche R, Engler H, Dobos G, Langhorst J. Randomised clinical trial: yoga vs written self‐care advice for ulcerative colitis. Alimentary pharmacology & therapeutics. 2017 Jun;45(11):1379-89. [Cited 23 April 2020]. Available from:
  • Cramer H, Dobos G, Langhorst J. yoga for QoL in ulcerative colitis—any better than other supportive activities? Authors’ reply. Alimentary Pharmacology & Therapeutics. 2017 Jul;46(2):202-3. [Cited 23 April 2020]. Available from:
  • Koch AK, Schöls M, Langhorst J, Dobos G, Cramer H. Perceived stress mediates the effect of yoga on quality of life and disease activity in ulcerative colitis. Secondary analysis of a randomized controlled trial. Journal of Psychosomatic Research. 2020 Mar 1;130:109917. [Cited 23 April 2020]. Available from:

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    Written ByDr. Ashok Mishra MBBSGeneral Physician
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    Reviewed ByDr. Bhupindera Jaswant SinghMD - Consultant PhysicianGeneral Physician
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