Yoga

Yoga a system of physical postures, breathing techniques, and sometimes meditation used to promote physical and emotional well-being, that originated out of ancient India. Many variations of yoga exist, but the styles embraced as a potential treatment for myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome patients tend to be more gentle and restorative in practice.

Notable studies related to ME/CFS

• 2005, Prospective observational study of treatments for unexplained chronic fatigue - (Abstract)
• 2014, Isometric yoga improves the fatigue and pain of patients with chronic fatigue syndrome who are resistant to conventional therapy: a randomized, controlled trial - (Full Text)
• 2017, Development of a recumbent isometric yoga program for patients with severe chronic fatigue syndrome/myalgic encephalomyelitis: A pilot study to assess feasibility and efficacy - (Full Text)
• 2018, Changes in fatigue, autonomic functions, and blood biomarkers due to sitting isometric yoga in patients with chronic fatigue syndrome - (Full Text)
• 2019, The longitudinal effects of seated isometric yoga on blood biomarkers, autonomic functions, and psychological parameters of patients with chronic fatigue syndrome: a pilot study - (Full text)

Video

• Dec 19, 2015, "Yoga for Chronic Fatigue Syndrome". By Chakrapod: "This is a restorative, inward-focused sequence for yogis with chronic fatigue syndrome especially, but great for anyone looking for a relaxed, healing practice. On an energetic level, we'll systematically open up our chakras (energy centers in your spine) to bring more life energy to the solar plexus, our innate source of inner power and strength."

Blog

• Aroga Yoga - a yoga and wellness blog by a yogini who has been living with ME/CFS since the age of 13 yrs.

Learn more

• Aug 28, 2007, "Relief for Chronic Fatigue Through Yoga" by Alice Lesch Kelly in Yoga Journal
• Mar 28, 2013, "How I yoga for ME/CFS" Blog post in My Journey thru M.E. by Jess Bruce
• Apr 15, 2015, "Breathe Deep: Dan Moricoli on Yoga and Recovering From Chronic Fatigue Syndrome" by Cort Johnson in Health Rising

See also

• Aroga Yoga
• Exercise
• Tai chi

myalgic encephalomyelitis (M.E.) - A disease often marked by neurological symptoms, but fatigue is sometimes a symptom as well. Some diagnostic criteria distinguish it from chronic fatigue syndrome, while other diagnostic criteria consider it to be a synonym for chronic fatigue syndrome. A defining characteristic of ME is post-exertional malaise (PEM), or post-exertional neuroimmune exhaustion (PENE), which is a notable exacerbation of symptoms brought on by small exertions. PEM can last for days or weeks. Symptoms can include cognitive impairments, muscle pain (myalgia), trouble remaining upright (orthostatic intolerance), sleep abnormalities, and gastro-intestinal impairments, among others. An estimated 25% of those suffering from ME are housebound or bedbound. The World Health Organization (WHO) classifies ME as a neurological disease.

myalgic encephalomyelitis (M.E.) - A disease often marked by neurological symptoms, but fatigue is sometimes a symptom as well. Some diagnostic criteria distinguish it from chronic fatigue syndrome, while other diagnostic criteria consider it to be a synonym for chronic fatigue syndrome. A defining characteristic of ME is post-exertional malaise (PEM), or post-exertional neuroimmune exhaustion (PENE), which is a notable exacerbation of symptoms brought on by small exertions. PEM can last for days or weeks. Symptoms can include cognitive impairments, muscle pain (myalgia), trouble remaining upright (orthostatic intolerance), sleep abnormalities, and gastro-intestinal impairments, among others. An estimated 25% of those suffering from ME are housebound or bedbound. The World Health Organization (WHO) classifies ME as a neurological disease.

biopsychosocial model (BPS) - A school of thought, usually based in psychology, which claims illness and disease to be the result of the intermingling of biological, psychological and social causes. (Learn more: me-pedia.org)