Psoriasis is a skin condition that makes the skin inflamed and itchy. It can appear anywhere on your body, but it’s most common in places such as the scalp, elbows, and knees.
And while the cause of psoriasis is still unknown, we know that one of the main reasons people develop the condition is genetic predisposition and inflammation in the body.
But did you know you can naturally reduce inflammation through yoga?
Yoga has been shown to decrease stress levels and boost immunity, both triggers for psoriasis flare-ups. Along with an AIP (Autoimmune Protocol) and regular yoga practice, you can manage flare-ups naturally!
Stress can trigger psoriasis
Stress is a massive trigger for psoriasis. When we experience stress, our bodies produce excess cortisol. Unfortunately, this only causes more inflammation and makes psoriasis worse.
However, yoga is an excellent practice for reducing stress because it allows you to calm down instead of letting your mind wander into places where you can become more anxious.
Even a little yoga practice per day can help with psoriasis. The benefits include reduced anxiety levels, fewer flare-ups from stress, improved circulation, and reduced itching sensations.
But that’s not all. Yoga helps improve flexibility and mobility, which helps relieve joint pain caused by tightness and poor posture throughout daily activities such as sitting at work all day long and, in some cases, from psoriatic arthritis.
Cortisol causes psoriasis flares and inflammation
Our bodies release a hormone called cortisol when stressed. High levels of cortisol can cause inflammation, leading to psoriasis flares. Yoga helps reduce stress by reducing cortisol. This will keep your skin clear and healthy.
Yoga can be particularly beneficial for psoriasis if you have mild to moderate symptoms. If your skin condition is severe, you should seek professional help.
Yoga is a great technique to reduce stress.
When we practice yoga, the whole body and mind become involved. We learn how to calm our minds and focus on the present by tuning in to how our body feels while moving through different postures.
As we know, stress can worsen symptoms of psoriasis. The more stressed we are, the less effectively we can manage psoriasis. Fortunately, yoga can help us relax so we can get in touch with our bodies on a deeper level and take better care of ourselves.
Yoga boosts immunity and reduces inflammation
Yoga is a great way to improve your overall health and well-being. It strengthens your immune system, reduces inflammation, and even helps you sleep better. All of these things are essential to managing psoriasis symptoms.
Research has shown that yoga can help regulate the immune system. This could be because yoga improves the body’s balance of mental and physical stressors. One can manage stress better by releasing negative thoughts through meditation or being present.
Yoga also helps reduce inflammation throughout the body—including your skin! And when you’re less inflamed, it’s easier to manage and avoid flare-ups.
AIP and yoga: the perfect anti-inflammatory combo
The autoimmune protocol diet is a healing diet used to reduce inflammation throughout the body and heal autoimmune diseases such as eczema, rheumatoid arthritis, and psoriasis.
Many people who follow the AIP lifestyle also experience great results from adding yoga to their routine, and this combination is especially beneficial for those with psoriasis.
The reason behind this is that yoga is a tranquil, relaxing, and calming exercise that enables people to connect with their body and mind in a way that makes the immune system more responsive. In other words, you get the benefits of exercise without adding stress to your body. Thus, you have fewer chances of aggravating the symptoms of autoimmune diseases.
It’s free and can be done anywhere
Yoga can be done virtually anywhere. If you have a space in your home that is quiet and private, it’s as easy as grabbing your mat and getting started. If you don’t have this luxury, there are many other options, including the gym or your local park.
The best part about yoga is that you don’t even have to spend money to get started. There are many free resources online and follow-along videos on YouTube.
Yoga With Adriene is one of my favorites—and possibly the most popular online yoga teacher—with over 600 videos ranging from beginner to expert levels. So, when it comes to yoga, there aren’t any limitations!
Yoga breathing calms your nervous system
When we practice yoga, we’re also learning powerful breathing techniques. Yoga breathing helps you relax and focus, which helps you stay calm during stressful situations. Besides, yoga breathing helps you think clearly and make better decisions, which are essential when following the AIP protocol, where you need to make smart decisions to select the right foods for you.
Physical benefits of yoga for people with psoriasis
Yoga is an excellent way to tone and strengthen your muscles, which reduces muscle tension and allows you to diminish stress. When practiced regularly, yoga has been shown to improve posture.
So, with these benefits in mind, it’s easy to see why many people choose yoga as their preferred form of exercise when living with psoriasis.
Mental benefits of yoga for people with psoriasis
Yoga can help you manage stress, especially if you’ve been tense for a long time. However, yoga can help in many ways, including helping you become more mindful, which is essential to managing psoriasis as it helps you focus on the present instead of worrying about the past or projecting into the future. Hence, preventing stress from building up in your body.
Emotional and spiritual benefits
Yoga is mostly a physical practice but can also help your mind and spirit. Connecting with your body can help you feel more at ease in your skin, quieting the chatter of thoughts that often keeps us from enjoying peace of mind—perhaps one of the most important steps toward healing psoriasis.
Another benefit of yoga is that it helps you control your body better and prevent pain. This skill can also help people with psoriasis stay more active throughout the day and help them soothe psoriatic pain.
Yoga is a great way to reduce joint stress.
A good rule of thumb if you have joint issues (such as arthritis) is to avoid high-impact activities such as running, because these exercises put extra pressure on your joints. Instead, yoga could be the answer. Yoga is also a great way to move without putting stress on your joints. This can help you feel better physically and reduce the symptoms of inflammatory psoriasis.
Yoga is for everyone, regardless of skill
No matter your experience level or physical abilities, yoga is for everyone! As a beginner, you will learn the basics and progress at your own pace. And as an expert yogi, you know you can also go the extra mile. Besides, the good thing is that you can adapt every position to your level. So, everyone can do it, regardless of age, sex, and conditions!
Final Thoughts
Yoga is a natural way to manage psoriasis. It improves circulation, slows down the heart rate, and allows you to relax, helping you manage emotions that might trigger psoriasis flare-ups.
If you’re seeking an alternative treatment or want to start incorporating yoga into your daily routine, I hope this article gives you some good reasons why it’s worth giving it a try!
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