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Yoga
is often seen as simply an exercise regime, when in reality it is a way of
life that can benefit us physically, mentally and spiritually.
For people living with HIV and AIDS there are many ways in which
yoga can help.
Yoga
can boost the immune system by making healthy immune cells more effective.
Specially designed yoga practice is tailored to help health problems
commonly associated with AIDS, including fungal infections, diarrhoea and
other digestive disorders, chest infections and breathing difficulties,
joint pain, skin problems, night sweats, tiredness and lethargy.
In some cases it is believed that yoga can delay the onset of
full-blown AIDS.
On
a mental level, yoga can help people cope and be calm when they feel like
panicking. Deep relaxation
and meditation techniques are taught which encourage a healthy sleeping
pattern, help build up self confidence and promote positive thinking.
Yoga
practises and postures help to detoxify and strengthen the physical body
and stimulate the immune system. Pranayama
(breathing exercises) makes the most of the breath; increases body
awareness and stimulates the natural energy centres.
It balances the body and mind, thus creating harmony and banishing
duality. Yoga Nidra is a
deep, healing relaxation, which revitalises the body and mind from within
and brings about an almost immediate reduction of tension.
Meditation can lead to a greater understanding of self.
The use of sounds and healing mantras are an integral part of the
programme.
Yoga
is never competitive and students only ever do what is right at the time
of practice. What is right
one week may not feel right another and yoga helps people to judge their
own physical needs on a daily basis.
The
HIV and AIDS yoga classes at the Yoga Therapy Centre cater for
everyone’s individual needs and will benefit those who choose to stretch
their bodies to relieve stress as well as those who wish only to relax and
rest.
The classes provide an important support group for people living
with HIV and AIDS, and friends and family are welcome to join.
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