Can yoga help treat chronic liver disease?

Cirrhosis of the liver or chronic liver disease affects the liver’s ability to function properly. Toxins that are usually removed from the blood by the liver remain in the body and increase the risk of infections. The digestive process is also affected and a variety of health problems can result including life-threatening conditions such as cancer.

Many experts believe that yoga is an excellent treatment for liver damage. Apart from specific poses that improve the health of the various internal organs, deep breathing and meditation taught in all yoga practices helps improve mental and physical well-being. Consult with your yoga instructor before beginning any new routine and always practice under supervision. Certain poses if done wrongly can do more harm than good. Yoga also helps reduce stress and this helps make a person more positive and receptive to medical treatment. Studies show that a reduction in stress hormone levels as a result of a regular yoga practice can significantly help improve the healing process.

A sedentary lifestyle is a death knell for patients with liver damage. No form of exercise can worsen the condition. While you should not indulge in any strenuous types of exercise, a gentle yoga routine along with deep breathing or regular walks can be beneficial.

Submitted by A V on February 28, 2013 at 12:14

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