Tightening, roughness and fiber-like appearance of the skin surface is indicative of an immune system disorder called Scleroderma. In many people it affects only the skin, but it can also damage internal connective tissue and body parts such as the lungs, heart, kidneys, intestines, toes and nails. The cause of this disease that renders the connective tissue inelastic and inefficient in functioning, is not known, though it has been observed that your immune system starts functioning abnormally resulting in hyper production of collagen, which results in this disease.
Till date, the pharmaceutical industry has not come up with drugs to treat the causal conditions of Scleroderma. However, the good news is that there are drugs to control the intensity and extent of this disease. Yoga handles the immune system impeccably. This is the reason yoga exercises have been found to be effective in reviving the normal functioning of the immune system. Yoga, in combination with medical treatment, is believed to yield excellent results in the treatment of Scleroderma.
Yoga Exercises For Scleroderma
Ardha Kati Chakrasana (Half Waist Rotation Pose)
Scleroderma hardens your skin and reduces its elasticity. Ardha Kati Chakrasana involves restoring the elasticity of the connective tissue of your torso and your upper limbs. To perform this pose, stand erect with your hands by your sides.
Now, raise your right hand while inhaling and bend sideways to your left side while exhaling. Bend your body till your left hand touches your left knee. Remain in this pose for 10 seconds and return to the resting position. Repeat the exercise on the other side.
Ardha Chakrasana (Half Wheel Pose)
Scleroderma necessitates the performance of exercises that aim to restore the elasticity of the skin and the internal connective tissue of the different internal parts so that the efficiency of the human systems is not damaged. Ardha Chakrasana deeply stretches the entire body, thereby restoring its elasticity.
Perform this asana by standing straight, raising your hands and locking them, and bending backwards as much as you can keeping your hands locked. Breathe normally while stretching. Maintain this pose for 10-30 seconds. Return to the resting pose. Repeat the exercise.
Padhastasana (Standing Forward Bend)
Padhastasana is yet another pose to ensure that you stretch your entire body deeply, in an attempt to revive the pliancy of your connective tissue.
Perform this asana (yoga pose) by standing erect, deeply inhaling, stretching out your hands, bending forward while exhaling, and touching your feet while keeping your legs unbent at the knees. Remain in this pose for 10-60 seconds. Return to the resting pose and repeat this exercise 5-6 times or longer.
Bhujangasana (Cobra Pose)
Bhujangasana works the same way as the other yoga asanas, aiming to increase the suppleness of the connective tissue of your torso, arms and upper legs. Perform this asana by lying on your abdomen, raising your torso by pushing the ground with your arms, and stretching your body outwards and focusing on the ceiling.
Remain in this position for 10-60 seconds. Return to resting pose and repeat this exercise, as many times as comfortable for you.
Dhanurasana (Bow Pose)
Dhanurasana deeply stretches the connective tissue of each and every part of your body. Perform this asana by lying on your back.
Raise your torso and your legs simultaneously, with your belly supporting your body weight. Hold your feet with your hands. Your body will resemble a bow and your arms the string of a bow.
Most Effective Yoga For Scleroderma,