Yoga For Inflammation
5. Legs Up the Wall Pose / Viparita Karani – This inversion pose is nourishing, calming & balancing for the mind, body & soul – some say it’s the only yoga pose you need to change your life! Deeply restorative, it can help reduce stress and benefit sleep, promoting a healthy inflammation response. Tip: As you wind down for the night, follow this pose with an epsom salt bath to set the stage for deep sleep.
- How to Practice Legs Up the Wall Pose:
- *Grab a folded blanket, yoga bolster or pillow and place it about 5-6 inches away from the wall (further if you’re stiffer, closer if you’re more flexible)
- *Sit sideways with your lower back on the edge of the support, and gently swing or walk your legs up the wall as you lower your shoulders and head down to your mat or the floor
- *Align your lower back/sacrum on top of the support, and allow your sitting bones to drop slightly between the edge of the support and the wall
- *Once you’re comfortable, relax your arms out to your sides and allow your palms to roll open and face the ceiling
- *Stay in the pose for anywhere from 5-15 minutes
- *When you’re ready to come out, press your feet into the wall, lift your hips and remove the support from beneath you; lower your hips back down to the floor and gently roll over to your side; stay here for a few breaths and then slowly push yourself back up to a seated position on an exhale
- Note: As an alternative, try the Legs Up pose (pictured): Lie on your back, extend your arms to your sides, lift your legs & allow your palms to roll open and face the ceiling; hold the pose for several minutes
- Namaste!
Our special thanks to Annie Wagoner for her OM-azing insight on how to use yoga to promote healthy inflammation. In addition to being a certified yoga teacher and certified health coach, Annie is a certified personal trainer, reiki master & founder of,
Contents
- 1 What is the best exercise to reduce inflammation?
- 2 What naturally removes inflammation?
- 3 What destroys inflammation in the body?
- 4 Can you massage away inflammation?
- 5 Can you massage over inflammation?
- 6 Is coffee an inflammatory food?
- 7 Does fasting reduce inflammation?
- 8 Does yoga clear the lymphatic system?
Can yoga reduce inflammation?
Discussion – The major finding from this review is that most of the selected studies suggest that yoga interventions with postures as a component may have a beneficial impact on inflammatory biomarkers. This conclusion is congruent with results from a prior review on mind–body therapies ( Morgan et al., 2014 ).
The present review was unique because it examined yoga apart from other mind–body therapies. Yoga interventions reduced inflammation in three of the five studies involving cancer ( Bower et al., 2014 ; Kiecolt-Glaser et al., 2014 ; Rao et al., 2017 ), three of the four studies involving cardiovascular disease ( Pullen et al., 2008 ; Pullen et al., 2010 ; Sarvottam et al., 2013 ), three of the four studies involving chronic stress conditions ( Cho et al., 2015 ; Rajbhoj et al., 2015 ; Shete et al., 2017 ), one study involving rheumatoid arthritis ( Singh et al., 2011 ), and one with a mixed sample of individuals with chronic conditions ( Yadav et al., 2012 ).
Our careful examination of the effect of dose on outcome is unique among existing reviews on mind–body therapies and inflammation. We found that five of the studies with higher doses of yoga practice and advanced postures ( Rajbhoj et al., 2015 ; Sarvottam et al., 2013 ; Shete et al., 2017 ; Singh et al., 2011 ; Yadav et al., 2012 ) reported significant improvements in inflammatory biomarkers.
While intensity was not part of the calculated dose, the extant literature suggests that higher intensity physical activity favorably impacts the inflammatory cytokine responses in participants who are healthy and in those with chronic inflammatory conditions ( Hawkins et al., 2012 ; Nimmo, Leggate, Viana, & King, 2013 ).
For example, 5 years of daily 1-hr sessions of moderate- to high-intensity yoga practice lowered basal pro-inflammatory cytokines (IL-6 and TNF-α) among healthy yoga practitioners in India ( Vijayaraghava, Doreswamy, Narasipur, Kunnavil, & Srinivasamurthy, 2015 ).
Our results also showed that the yoga interventions designed in India and the Republic of Korea ( n = 6) included more advanced postures and higher frequency and intensity compared to those designed in the United States. Yoga may be a more culturally accepted exercise in India and the Republic of Korea; thus, higher frequency and advanced postures were feasible among participants in these countries.
However, participants in the United States, particularly those with chronic conditions, may find lower frequency and modified yoga postures more acceptable. This finding is an important detail, and future investigators need to consider cultural variations in designing replication studies.
- Another potential mechanism by which yoga interventions may influence inflammation is through their effects on the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems.
- Accordingly, eight of the selected studies used a slower paced yoga and props.
- Most of the studies we analyzed included some type of slow-breathing technique.
Prior studies that used slow-breathing techniques have demonstrated that yoga interventions positively affect parasympathetic nervous system and decrease sympathetic activity ( Lakkireddy et al., 2013 ; Mourya, Mahajan, Singh, & Jain, 2009 ; Patil, Aithala, & Das, 2015 ).
- Prior reviews of yoga interventions also found evidence to support yoga’s efficacy in improving heart rate, heart rate variability ( Ross & Thomas, 2010 ), and blood pressure, the markers of sympathetic activity ( Chu et al., 2016 ).
- These findings suggest that certain yoga-based breathing techniques and slow movements may aid the relaxation of the autonomic nervous system.
Thus, yoga may be particularly effective in reducing inflammation because, unlike exercise or stress reduction alone, yoga has components of both relaxation techniques and exercise. Another important finding of our review is that the studies used a variety of inflammatory biomarkers as outcome measures.
The most commonly measured cytokines in the studies were IL-6, CRP, and TNF-α. The conflicting findings regarding the common biomarkers among the different studies suggest a need for investigators to use a consistent and yet wider range of inflammatory biomarkers to gain a better understanding of the mechanisms of inflammation.
Specifically, the novel findings of decreased pro-inflammatory gene expression ( Bower et al., 2014 ) and changes in DNA methylation ( Harkess et al., 2016 ) suggest that the genetic pathway is one mechanism by which yoga influences inflammation. Yoga’s effects on the genetic expression of inflammatory markers were not, however, supported by the findings regarding pro-inflammatory cytokines, suggesting that changes to the genetic pathways may precede changes to the expression of circulating cytokines ( Bower et al., 2014 ).
- Bower and Irwin (2016) ) drew a similar conclusion in a review in which they examined seven studies using mind–body therapy interventions (tai chi, meditation, and yoga ) and found a favorable impact on genetic markers of inflammation.
- Further investigation is required to determine the mechanisms by which yoga may impact the genetic inflammatory process.
The reviewed studies illustrate the current state of the science of yoga research. There was considerable variability in the types, components, frequency, length, duration, and intensity of the yoga interventions. Most studies only included two to five yoga components, which limit the comparisons of the interventions.
For example, yogic diet as an additional component may mediate the inflammatory pathways. The philosophical teachings ( Rao et al., 2017 ) and the nutrition counseling ( Sarvottam et al., 2013 ; Singh et al., 2011 ; Yadav et al., 2012 ) described in four studies may have had confounding effects. In the study by Singh, Bhandari, and Rana (2011), authors listed yogic diet as a component but did not describe it, whereas Sarvottam et al.
(2013) and Yadav et al. (2012) included nutritional counseling without meals, encouraged support from partners, and included unstructured discussions in the group. Thus, education about healthy eating and support from others in the group may have led some participants to engage in a more comprehensive lifestyle change, which may have increased the beneficial impact on inflammation in these patients.
What is the best exercise to reduce inflammation?
How Does Exercise Reduce Inflammation? – We’ll look at a little science. Walking, like other types of exercise, has benefits:
Strengthens the heartHelps control your weightBuilds muscleStimulates the immune systemReduces the risk for disease
And, walking is one of the best exercises to reduce inflammation, A study documented that 20 minutes of walking works to stimulate cells that regulate inflammation, Tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-a) was reduced significantly after 4 weeks of moderate exercise in test subjects. All the more reason to get out there and move, right?
What naturally removes inflammation?
The health risks of inflammatory foods – Not surprisingly, the same foods on an inflammation diet are generally considered bad for our health, including sodas and refined carbohydrates, as well as red meat and processed meats. “Some of the foods that have been associated with an increased risk for chronic diseases such as type 2 diabetes and heart disease are also associated with excess inflammation,” Dr.
Hu says. “It’s not surprising, since inflammation is an important underlying mechanism for the development of these diseases.” Unhealthy foods also contribute to weight gain, which is itself a risk factor for inflammation. Yet in several studies, even after researchers took obesity into account, the link between foods and inflammation remained, which suggests weight gain isn’t the sole driver.
“Some of the food components or ingredients may have independent effects on inflammation over and above increased caloric intake,” Dr. Hu says.
An should include these foods:
tomatoes olive oil green leafy vegetables, such as spinach, kale, and collards nuts like almonds and walnuts fatty fish like salmon, mackerel, tuna, and sardines fruits such as strawberries, blueberries, cherries, and oranges |
Can you stretch out inflammation?
Stretching is one of the popular elements in physiotherapy and rehabilitation. When correctly guided, it can help minimize or slow down the disabling effects of chronic health conditions. Most likely, the benefits are associated with reducing inflammation.
Is it OK to exercise with inflammation?
– The results revealed that a 20-minute session of moderate exercise can have anti-inflammatory effects. The study confirmed the researchers’ hypothesis. Exercise did seem to produce an anti-inflammatory cellular response, which could be seen in the reduction of the cytokine TNF.
- Our study found one session of about 20 minutes of moderate treadmill exercise resulted in a 5 percent decrease in the number of stimulated immune cells producing TNF,” says Hong.
- Although the anti-inflammatory benefits of physical activity are already known to researchers, Hong explains, this study explains the process in more detail.
“Knowing what sets regulatory mechanisms of inflammatory proteins in motion may contribute to developing new therapies for the overwhelming number of individuals with chronic inflammatory conditions, including nearly 25 million Americans who suffer from autoimmune diseases,” Hong adds.
- The lead author also highlights the importance of this study for people with reduced strength or mobility who are under the impression that physical exercise needs to be extremely intense in order to be effective.
- Our study shows a workout session does not actually have to be intense to have anti-inflammatory effects.
Twenty minutes to half an hour of moderate exercise, including fast walking, appears to be sufficient. Feeling like a workout needs to be at a peak exertion level for a long duration can intimidate those who suffer from chronic inflammatory diseases and could greatly benefit from physical activity.” Suzi Hong Learn why weekend exercise may be just as good as being active every day,
What destroys inflammation?
How is inflammation treated? – Inflammation does not always require treatment. For acute inflammation, rest, ice and good wound care often relieve the discomfort in a few days. If you have chronic inflammation, your healthcare provider may recommend:
Supplements : Certain vitamins (vitamin A, vitamin C, vitamin D) and supplements (zinc) may reduce inflammation and enhance repair. For example, your healthcare provider may prescribe a fish oil supplement or vitamin(s). Or you may use spices with anti-inflammatory properties, such as turmeric, ginger or garlic. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) : These over-the-counter medicines lower inflammation. Your healthcare provider may recommend ibuprofen (Advil®), aspirin (Bayer®) or naproxen (Aleve®). Steroid injections : Corticosteroid shots decrease inflammation at a specific joint or muscle. For example, if you have rheumatoid arthritis that affects your back, your healthcare provider may give a steroid shot in your spine. You should not have more than three to four steroid injections in the same body part per year.
What destroys inflammation in the body?
What is inflammation? – Inflammation is a function of your immune system that helps you respond to injury, infection and irritants. This means it helps with everything from healing cuts and scrapes to fighting off the common cold. During acute (short-term) inflammation, your blood vessels widen and leak fluid into the affected tissue, causing the area to swell.
- White blood cells are sent to the affected area, where they surround and destroy the invader.
- Once the infection is eliminated, the inflammation subsides.
- Acute inflammation is usually short lived,” says, a clinical assistant professor at the UW School of Medicine who sees patients at the,
- It’s the appropriate response to an irritant.
When your body senses the threat is gone, there’s a mechanism in place to return your body to its baseline.” However, there are cases in which inflammation becomes chronic and persists for months to years, and this takes a toll on your body. In these cases, inflammation can damage your cells, tissues and organs.
Can you massage away inflammation?
Summary – There are a decent handful of studies which agree that massage therapy can reduce inflammation, there’s no real doubt about it. However, the studies performed, as with most research, do have some significant limitations which were discussed above. There is certainly no obvious research that suggests massage therapy is counterproductive to muscle inflammation caused by exercise. Additionally, aside from massage therapy that focuses on reducing inflammation, massage therapy can potentially prevent injuries from occurring, especially micro-injuries.
- Those that participate in regular physical activity might find benefits in attending massage therapy to increase flexibility and other non-medical benefits that could lessen the chance of injury and promote a faster recovery.
- The results confirm that massage therapy can reduce inflammation, if administered correctly through professional massage therapists, however, you may find that simply performing light exercise will reduce inflammation more effectively.
Test your knowledge and understanding of sports massage with our Level 3 Sports Massage Mock Exam. References Franklin NC, Ali MM, Robinson AT, Norkeviciute E, Phillips SA. Massage therapy restores peripheral vascular function after exertion. Archives Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, June 2014;95(6):1127-34.
Dr Krista Ingram, ND & Sarah Robson, RMT.2012. Chronic Inflammation: Naturopathic And Massage Perspectives – Balance Natural Health Clinic.J.D. Crane, D.I. Ogborn, C. Cupido, S. Melov, A. Hubbard, J.M. Bourgeois, M.A. Tarnopolsky. Massage Therapy Attenuates Inflammatory Signaling After Exercise-Induced Muscle Damage.
Science Translational Medicine, 2012; 4 (119): 119ra13 Available here McMaster University.2012. Massage is promising for muscle recovery: McMaster researchers find 10 minutes reduces inflammation. Available here
Can you massage over inflammation?
Inflammation – How Massage Can Help Inflammation is not a bad word if you consider that it is actually a healing response of the body when an injury, toxic or allergic reaction or infection occurs. It is the mechanism which protects the body internally, stops further damage and ultimately activates the processes necessary to repair the injured area.
The Mechanics of Inflammation The process of inflammation is both complex and interesting and involves endogenous (internally sourced) cellular activities, the work of inflammatory mediators and other regulatory chemicals. These members of the inflammatory response ‘team’ is activated to protect and ultimately heal inflammation in the body whenever tissues are injured by bacteria, trauma, toxins/allergens, heat or other invasive event.
The damaged cells release chemicals into the blood including histamine, bradykinin, prostaglandins and leukotrienes that increase the porosity of the blood vessels causing them to leak fluid into the injured tissues which results in swelling. Moreover, chemicals from the body’s white blood cells also enter the tissues via the blood vessels which adds to the blood flow in the damaged area and provides immune protection from invaders.
Symptoms of Inflammation In addition to swelling other symptoms that signify the inflammatory response has been activated include the presence of redness, pain, warmth and sometimes loss of function in the area of the inflammation.Inflammation can become a chronic condition that results in such diseases as rheumatoid arthritis, Crohn’s disease and psoriasis.
Can Massages help? Depending on the severity of the inflammation, massage therapy has been known to assist in the reduction of pain and swelling and promote recovery of injured muscles. Massage is known to improve blood blow, reduce tissue stiffness which contributes to pain reduction.
Regular massages can help with the inflammation, improve fluid build-up and circulation. Lymphatic massage and petrissage are two massage techniques that support chronic inflammatory conditions because they promotes improved drainage of fluids from the tissues. Studies involving Flow Mediated Dilation (FMD) show that massages to the lower extremities are significantly more helpful at reducing inflammation than the technique is in the upper extremities.
Massage can also lower the levels of a stress hormone called cortisol, may reduce blood pressure and can also reduce the production of inflammatory cytokines. All these contribute to lowering inflammation. Massage can also uplift your mood by increasing the level of the happy hormone called serotonin.
- In choosing to use massage therapy in supporting inflammation, it is recommended that you seek a physician’s advice in case the procedure is contraindicated for your particular type of injury.
- Also, always inform your massage therapist about the level of your pain.
- If there is too much pain and inflammation, then it is always better to avoid any massage in such situations.
To your health and wellbeing! : Inflammation – How Massage Can Help
Can walking reduce inflammation?
Walking – Going for a walk is one of the most easily accessible ways to get exercise into your day. And according to a study on inflammation and exercise, even a 20-minute walk can lower the body’s inflammatory response, For the greatest benefit, go for a walk outside and combine the benefits of being out in nature with the benefits of exercise.
Is coffee an inflammatory food?
Potential harm of coffee consumption – While the literature revealed some of the harm of too much caffeine in coffee, there was little evidence of its harm, outside of some studies about caffeine and blood pressure. While all coffee contains anti-inflammatory properties, whether or not it affects the inflammatory response can depend on the concentration of caffeine, how your body reacts to it, your genetics, and your age.
Does fasting reduce inflammation?
What is intermittent fasting? Does it have health benefits? – Answer From Manpreet Mundi, M.D. Intermittent fasting means that you don’t eat for a period of time each day or week. Some popular approaches to intermittent fasting include:
- Alternate-day fasting. Eat a normal diet one day and either completely fast or have one small meal (less than 500 calories) the next day.
- 5:2 fasting. Eat a normal diet five days a week and fast two days a week.
- Daily time-restricted fasting. Eat normally but only within an eight-hour window each day. For example, skip breakfast but eat lunch around noon and dinner by 8 p.m.
Some studies suggest that alternate-day fasting is about as effective as a typical low-calorie diet for weight loss. That seems reasonable because reducing the number of calories you eat should help you lose weight. Can intermittent fasting improve your health? Losing weight and being physically active help lower your risk of obesity-related diseases, such as diabetes, sleep apnea and some types of cancer.
- Alzheimer’s disease
- Arthritis
- Asthma
- Multiple sclerosis
- Stroke
It’s important to note that intermittent fasting can have unpleasant side effects, but they usually go away within a month. Side effects may include:
- Hunger
- Fatigue
- Insomnia
- Nausea
- Headaches
Intermittent fasting is safe for many people, but it’s not for everyone. Skipping meals may not be the best way to manage your weight if you’re pregnant or breast-feeding. If you have kidney stones, gastroesophageal reflux, diabetes or other medical problems, talk with your doctor before starting intermittent fasting. With Manpreet Mundi, M.D.
How long does it take to get inflammation out of your body?
Inflammation is a process by which your body’s white blood cells and the things they make protect you from infection from outside invaders, such as bacteria and viruses. But in some diseases, like arthritis, your body’s defense system – your immune system – triggers inflammation when there are no invaders to fight off.
- In these autoimmune diseases, your immune system acts as if regular tissues are infected or somehow unusual, causing damage.
- Inflammation can be either short-lived ( acute ) or long-lasting ( chronic ).
- Acute inflammation goes away within hours or days.
- Chronic inflammation can last months or years, even after the first trigger is gone.
Conditions linked to chronic inflammation include:
Cancer Heart disease Diabetes Asthma Alzheimer’s disease
Some types of arthritis are the result of inflammation, such as:
Rheumatoid arthritis Psoriatic arthritis Gouty arthritis
Other painful conditions of the joints and musculoskeletal system that may not be related to inflammation include osteoarthritis, fibromyalgia, muscular low back pain, and muscular neck pain, Symptoms of inflammation include:
RednessA swollen joint that may be warm to the touch Joint pain Joint stiffness A joint that doesn’t work as well as it should
Often, you’ll have only a few of these symptoms. Inflammation may also cause flu-like symptoms including:
Fever Chills Fatigue /loss of energy Headaches Loss of appetiteMuscle stiffness
When inflammation happens, chemicals from your body’s white blood cells enter your blood or tissues to protect your body from invaders. This raises the blood flow to the area of injury or infection. It can cause redness and warmth. Some of the chemicals cause fluid to leak into your tissues, resulting in swelling. Your doctor will ask about your medical history and do a physical exam, focusing on:
The pattern of painful joints and whether there are signs of inflammationWhether your joints are stiff in the morningAny other symptoms
They’ll also look at the results of X-rays and blood tests for biomarkers such as:
C-reactive protein (CRP)Erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR)
Inflammation can affect your organs as part of an autoimmune disorder. The symptoms depend on which organs are affected. For example:
Inflammation of your heart ( myocarditis ) may cause shortness of breath or fluid buildup.Inflammation of the small tubes that take air to your lungs may cause shortness of breath.Inflammation of your kidneys (nephritis) may cause high blood pressure or kidney failure.
You might not have pain with an inflammatory disease, because many organs don’t have many pain-sensitive nerves. Treatment for inflammatory diseases may include medications, rest, exercise, and surgery to correct joint damage, Your treatment plan will depend on several things, including your type of disease, your age, the medications you’re taking, your overall health, and how severe the symptoms are.
Correct, control, or slow down the disease processAvoid or change activities that aggravate painEase pain through pain medications and anti-inflammatory drugsKeep joint movement and muscle strength through physical therapy Lower stress on joints by using braces, splints, or canes as needed
Medications Many drugs can ease pain, swelling and inflammation. They may also prevent or slow inflammatory disease. Doctors often prescribe more than one. The medications include:
Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs ( NSAIDs, such as aspirin, ibuprofen, or naproxen )Corticosteroids (such as prednisone)Antimalarial medications (such as hydroxychloroquine )Other medicines known as disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs), including azathioprine, cyclophosphamide, leflunomide, methotrexate, and sulfasalazine Biologic drugs such as abatacept, adalimumab, certolizumab, etanercept, infliximab, golimumab, rituximab, and tocilizumab
Some of these are also used to treat conditions such as cancer or inflammatory bowel disease, or to prevent organ rejection after a transplant. But when ” chemotherapy ” types of medications (such as methotrexate or cyclophosphamide) are used to treat inflammatory diseases, they tend to have lower doses and less risk of side effects than when they’re prescribed for cancer treatment,
Quit smoking,Limit how much alcohol you drink.Keep a healthy weight, Manage stress,Get regular physical activity,Try supplements such as omega-3 fatty acids, white willow bark, curcumin, green tea, or capsaicin, Magnesium and vitamins B6, C, D, and E also have some anti-inflammatory effects. Talk with your doctor before starting any supplement.
Surgery You may need surgery if inflammation has severely damaged your joints. Common procedures include:
Arthroscopy. Your doctor makes a few small cuts around the affected joint. They insert thin instruments to fix tears, repair damaged tissue, or take out bits of cartilage or bone, Osteotomy. Your doctor takes out part of the bone near a damaged joint. Synovectomy. All or part of the lining of the joint (called the synovium) is removed if it’s inflamed or has grown too much. Arthrodesis, Pins or plates can permanently fuse bones together. Joint replacement. Your doctor replaces a damaged joint with an artificial one made of metal, plastic, or ceramic.
The things you eat and drink can also play a role in inflammation. For an anti-inflammatory diet, include foods like:
Tomatoes Olive oilLeafy green vegetables (spinach, collards)Nuts (almonds, walnuts)Fatty fish ( salmon, tuna, sardines)Fruits (berries, oranges )
These things can trigger inflammation, so avoid them as much as you can:
Refined carbohydrates (white bread )Fried foods (French fries)Sugary drinks (soda)Red and processed meats (beef, hot dogs)Margarine, shortening, and lard
Can you heal your body with yoga?
9 Benefits of Yoga If you’ve done your “downward dog” yoga pose today, you’re probably feeling more relaxed. Regardless of your level of yoga expertise, if you’re practicing regularly, you can feel better from head to toe. Yoga offers physical and mental health benefits for people of all ages.
- And, if you’re going through an illness, recovering from surgery or living with a chronic condition, yoga can become an integral part of your treatment and potentially hasten healing.
- A yoga therapist can work with patients and put together individualized plans that work together with their medical and surgical therapies.
That way, yoga can support the healing process and help the person experience symptoms with more centeredness and less distress.
Does yoga clear the lymphatic system?
How Does Yoga Help Lymphatic Drainage? – The lymphatic system consists of a series of lymph nodes throughout the body that are connected by lymph vessels. A fluid known as lymph flows through the vessels and into lymph nodes, where cellular waste is filtered out, and the fluid continues on its journey.
Circulation: Many yoga poses can help improve circulation, encouraging the flow of various bodily fluids. Some of these poses can even promote better circulation in the lymphatic system, which means fluid flows freely in the vessels and nodes to its destination. Good circulation is also essential for other reasons, as it allows blood and oxygen to reach your body’s organs to ensure they function properly. Compression: Compression garments for lymphedema are one of the most common treatment methods. These garments apply gentle pressure to swollen areas to help encourage the flow of fluid and reduce swelling. Certain yoga poses can apply that same gentle compression to swollen parts of the body to keep the system flowing smoothly. However, your yoga poses shouldn’t apply so much pressure that they’re causing pain. Deep breathing: Deep breathing can strongly affect your circulation and the flow of lymphatic fluid, and that’s one of the core principles of yoga. Through lymphatic drainage yoga poses, you can perform breathing exercises to relax your body and improve your overall health.
In addition to your current at-home lymphedema treatments, consider adding yoga for lymphatic drainage to your list of routine treatments to relieve symptoms and regain your quality of life.