Perspectives onYogainputs in the management of chronic pain

Abstract

Chronic pain is multi-dimensional. At the physical level itself, beyond the nociceptive pathway, there is hyper arousal state of the components of the nervous system, which negatively influences tension component of the muscles, patterns of breathing, energy levels and mindset, all of which exacerbate the distress and affect the quality of life of the individual and family. Beginning with the physical body, Yoga eventually influences all aspects of the person: vital, mental, emotional, intellectual and spiritual. It offers various levels and approaches to relax, energize, remodel and strengthen body and psyche. The asanas and pranayama harmonize the physiological system and initiate a “relaxation response” in the neuro endocrinal system. This consists of decreased metabolism, quieter breathing, stable blood pressure, reduced muscle tension, lower heart rate and slow brain wave pattern. As the neural discharge pattern gets modulated, hyper arousal of the nervous system and the static load on postural muscle come down. The function of viscera improves with the sense of relaxation and sleep gets deeper and sustained; fatigue diminishes. Several subtle level notional corrections can happen in case the subject meditates and that changes the context of the disease, pain and the meaning of life. Meditation and pranayama, along with relaxing asanas, can help individuals deal with the emotional aspects of chronic pain, reduce anxiety and depression effectively and improve the quality of life perceived.

Evaluation of a Yoga Program for Back Pain

“…Mindfulness meditation helps reduce pain, improve physical function, and increase quality Statistical significance: ~p < .10; *p < .05; **p < .01; ***p < .001 [40,41], in part because people learn to bear witness to their own experiences without judgment, leading to acceptance of their pain-filled condition [42]. Meditation and pranayama have both been found helpful in pain management [43,44], and the meditation and pranayama techniques included in the intervention in this study increased the mindfulness of the yoga.…”

Yoga and health promotion, practitioners' perspectives at a Brazilian university: A pilot study

“…Therefore it has gained momentum as a mind-body practice [12e15]. Yoga has been included in the National Institutes of Health (NIH) of the UK, related to: allergies and intolerances; anxiety and panic syndrome; asthma; cardiovascular disorders; headaches and migraine; infections; irritable bowel syndrome; back pain; cranial and cervical pain; osteoarthritis; painful menstruations; premenstrual syndrome; menopause problems; painful muscles and joints; rheumatoid arthritis; tiredness and fatigue, in primary health [16], besides showing positive results for chronic pain [17]. Adding to the physical and physiological action highlighted in numerous research papers on yoga, the practice also enables practitioners to develop skills to deal with symptoms related do distress and to better control their lives [11].…”

Emotional aspects and pranayama in breast cancer patients undergoing radiation therapy: A randomized controlled trial

“…Thus, Yoga, Pranayama, and meditation help patients to deal with the emotional aspects of chronic pain, reduce anxiety and depression considerably and improve the quality of life. [16]…”