September 15, 2015 | written by IVX Health

What Yoga Can Do for Chronic Illness

Happy National Yoga Awareness Month

September is National Yoga Awareness Month, and it’s a great opportunity to learn about how yoga can help you manage both the physical and mental stress of chronic illness. And once you know the facts, consider signing up for a class or looking up some beginners’ poses online.

The Benefits of Yoga for Chronic Illness

While yoga has many physical benefits — including increased strength, flexibility and coordination, better body awareness, and increased immune system function — many of most powerful benefits for those suffering from chronic illness are psychological.

People suffering from chronic disease who have a regular yoga practice report lower levels of stress, higher quality of life, and less fatigue. Those reports are backed up by studies reporting lower levels of the stress hormone cortisol.

Yoga is Accessible at Any Level

One of the great things about yoga is that it’s accessible for almost everyone. Even if you’re wheelchair bound, you can try Chair Yoga.

Depending on your current level of mobility and fitness, there are many different styles of yoga to choose from. Beginners can try a short gentle yoga sequence, while those looking for a true challenge (with the approval of your doctor) can attempt bikram or hot yoga.

Classes are a great option, but there are also plenty of videos online (youtube is a good resource) not to mention a bevy of DVD options.

If you already know your yoga poses pretty well, you can even build your own yoga sequences based on what you’re trying to accomplish.

Treatment at IVX Health

If biologics like Remicade , Actemra or Orencia are a part of your chronic illness treatment plan, then consider choosing IVX Health for your ongoing care needs. IVX Health makes it possible to receive your therapy in a comfortable, convenient, and private environment.

With a private suite for every patient, you can watch your favorite Netflix show or movie on the big screen TV in each room, use a laptop or other mobile device to surf the web, or simply hang out with family and friends. We always have chairs for guests, and each center has a family room that is spacious and private if you need to bring your kids to your treatment. We also offer flexible appointment scheduling – including evenings and Saturdays – at any of our convenient locations.

At IVX Health, we truly are invested in helping you live your best life. If you’re ready to experience a new kind of infusion clinic, click here to learn how to move your infusion or injection therapy to IVX Health.