Healthy Living

Natural Approaches to Add to Cystic Fibrosis Treatment

What to keep in mind when practicing yoga

There are some yoga poses which should be avoided or modified if practiced by somebody with cystic fibrosis. These are any pose which compresses the chest. Also, do not push yourself too far too fast so that you run out of breath. The goal is to improve your ability to breathe, not diminish it.

Some of the poses also involve turning the head downward. Sometimes this can be beneficial to involve gravity with draining excess mucus, but may also be something to be avoided during a class.

Several yoga studios have started programs aimed at assisting people with cystic fibrosis. One of these is Body Mantra, on Long Island, New York. Nearly any place which teaches yoga offers the ability for you to work one on one with a yoga teacher. Participating in a class aimed at people who do not have cystic fibrosis may not be a good idea, as they will most likely include poses which compress the chest and tip your head downward.

The research on yoga and cystic fibrosis is young but promising. Other physiotherapeutic methods are already recommended, and the little bit of research already performed specifically regarding yoga hints at a lack of negative side effects.