Auto Immune Disorders

Dear Mukunda,
I have a student who suffers chronic fatigue syndrome. He is in his early fifties and until 2 years ago was a fit and active motor mechanic, with a great interest in mountain climbing and photography. Since he took this condition he has had to give up work and mountain climbing. He is able to carry on with his photography and currently attends a photography group.
I have looked on the site and have printed off a reply you gave to another questioner regarding what to do with lupus. You have said that chronic fatigue is a vata issue and the best way forward is to bring into the practice, movements that are gentle, moving in and out of postures with the breath, no holding. Also to use plenty of classical hatha yoga, such as shoulder stand and the four part breath, in - pause, out - pause.
You also mention mantra to connect with the divine and an ongoing JFS.
Is there anything else that you think may be of help.
Kind regards, namaste,
Irene:cool:

Dear Mukunda,
What advice do you offer for students who suffer auto immune disorders,where the prevailing complaint is one of loss of energy? All of the students who attend yoga classes say the same thing. That is, the main problem for them is tiredness and feeling depressed. What is the best type of yoga practice for them? Would you recommend the Joint Freeing Series, meditation, certain pranayamas to energise and relaxation?

Kind regards,
Irene - Scotland

Hi Irene!

As a individual who suffers from an auto immune disorder I totally understand what it feels like to have no energy! I suffered for years, needing afternoon naps that sometimes lasted several hours. I recently visited a doctor/nutritionist and je recommended that I take 5000 units of vitamin C and 50 mg co-enzyme q10. It worked! I am amazed at the energy I now have. Also recommended: adrenal support supplements, a good multi-vitamin, 3 good balanced meals daily.

Also, if an individual has a thyroid problem there is often a need for tyrosine, an amino acid that is essential to the human body. One of the places this is found is in red meat. This is one of the reasons why so many people who would like to be vegetarians find themselves craving red meat and are unable to maintain a vegetarian diet. A vegetarian diet lacks this amino acid and it must be supplemented.

I suffer from hypothyroid disorder/ Hashimoto’s; I had to push my doctor to test me and give me the medicine I need. Tell your students that hypothyroid problems result in low energy and depression as well as a host of other symptoms that many doctors attribute to other things. But give a sufferer levothyroxine (plus T3) and the symptoms disappear. I know that many in the yoga practitioners don’t want to take levothyroxine; and believe that asana can cure this condition. Maybe so. But in my case I’m not willing to risk the repercussions of not taking the medicine. Weight gain, loss of hair, low metabolism, headaches, joint pain, dry skin, etc, etc, etc.

I feel super and its about time!

I hope this helps!

I miss you Irene! and our London group! Hope to see you soon!

With kindness,
Cathy

[quote=cathy;8852]Hi Irene!

As a individual who suffers from an auto immune disorder I totally understand what it feels like to have no energy! I suffered for years, needing afternoon naps that sometimes lasted several hours. I recently visited a doctor/nutritionist and je recommended that I take 5000 units of vitamin C and 50 mg co-enzyme q10. It worked! I am amazed at the energy I now have. Also recommended: adrenal support supplements, a good multi-vitamin, 3 good balanced meals daily.

Also, if an individual has a thyroid problem there is often a need for tyrosine, an amino acid that is essential to the human body. One of the places this is found is in red meat. This is one of the reasons why so many people who would like to be vegetarians find themselves craving red meat and are unable to maintain a vegetarian diet. A vegetarian diet lacks this amino acid and it must be supplemented.

I suffer from hypothyroid disorder/ Hashimoto’s; I had to push my doctor to test me and give me the medicine I need. Tell your students that hypothyroid problems result in low energy and depression as well as a host of other symptoms that many doctors attribute to other things. But give a sufferer levothyroxine (plus T3) and the symptoms disappear. I know that many in the yoga practitioners don’t want to take levothyroxine; and believe that asana can cure this condition. Maybe so. But in my case I’m not willing to risk the repercussions of not taking the medicine. Weight gain, loss of hair, low metabolism, headaches, joint pain, dry skin, etc, etc, etc.

I feel super and its about time!

I hope this helps!

I miss you Irene! and our London group! Hope to see you soon!

With kindness,
Cathy[/quote]
Hi Cathy,
Many thanks for sending this information. Sorry I haven’t got back to you but have not spent much time on computer due to other work. I miss you and all the group too and hope to meet up with you some time.
Kind thoughts and wishes,
Irene

Hi,
Great to hear from you Cathy and hope you are doing well. Miss you and all the group - let me know how your course has helped in your teaching. My son is now coming to me for help with relaxation techniques due to stress and I am enjoying working with him. How is your family getting along in the US?
Remember you are always welcome to visit here if you have time.
Kind thoughts and wishes,
Irene

Hi @Irene , Here is an interesting article regarding how you can manage auto immune disorder with yoga which explains about Auto immune disorders meaning war within us, where the body is literally attacking itself.

I hope this helps!

Thank You!