INTERNET YOGA HELPS IBD SYMPTOMS
INTERNET YOGA HELPS IBD SYMPTOMS
Check out this article in Gastroenterology and Endoscopy News about a wonderful new resource for individuals with Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis. “An online video and audio series aims to introduce people with inflammatory bowel disease to yoga, meditation and breathing exercises from the comfort of their own homes.
The researchers who designed the tool say these practices can help patients with IBD improve their mood, boost energy and reduce anxiety. They discussed the multimedia effort, available at the website IBDyoga.com, at the 2019 annual meeting of the American College of Gastroenterology.”
“To create IBDyoga.com, Dr. Lanson collaborated with the lab of David Rubin, MD, the Joseph B. Kirsner Professor of Medicine and section chief of gastroenterology, hepatology and nutrition at the University of Chicago, and Gina Norman, a certified instructor at Kaia Yoga in Stamford. The group created two professional yoga videos, three breathing exercises and two guided meditations. The researchers uploaded the exercises to the website of the Gastro-Intestinal Research Foundation, along with a short survey that asked visitors about the status of their IBD, their experience with yoga and meditation, and how helpful they found the exercises.”
“Victoria Rai, BS, a clinical research coordinator for Dr. Rubin’s lab, tracked the survey results, site visits and video plays on YouTube and Google Analytics. From September 2017 to June 2019…Of the 26 visitors who completed the survey, 77% reported improved mood, 67% said they had less anxiety, and 59% reported more energy and better mood.”
“I like it because patients want to take charge of their own health. They want treatments that aren’t always just another medication, and they want something they can do on their own and on their own time,” Brian Lacy, PhD, MD, FACG, a professor of medicine at Mayo Clinic in Jacksonville, Fla., who was not involved in the study, said. “This is a treatment that gets them actively involved.”
At Comprehensive Gastrointestinal Health, we could not agree more with these findings. Our holistic approach to IBD includes recommendations for regular physical acitvity (especially yoga!), quality sleep and nutrition, and encouragement to work with our wonderful counselor, Jed Foster, on coping mechanisms, stress management, including techniques for mindfulness and meditation. In the midst of the COVID-19 crisis, we know stress levels are running high and we are really motivated to keep our IBD patients healthy, off steroids, and out of the hospitals and immediate care centers. Let us help to support you!
Our team of providers, including a gastroenterologist, nurse practitioner, dietitian, counselor, and physical therapist/fitness consultant are all available via TELEMEDICINE to help care for you and your IBD. Please call 224.407.4400 or visit compgihealth.com for more information. We are eager to help in any way we can!