6 Possible Benefits of Yoga for Peripheral Neuropathy
Though research is limited and more studies are needed, gentle movement practices like yoga may have some health perks for neuropathy.
1. May Improve Nerve Health
In general, exercise is a critical part of effective neuropathy treatment, and a moderately intense exercise program like yoga or walking may improve neuropathic pain and sensory disturbances, per the Foundation for Peripheral Neuropathy.
What’s more, yoga is believed to stimulate neural pathways and neurotransmitters, and may help soothe the painful effects of nerve damage.
In one study of 76 participants with type 2 diabetes, researchers tested naturopathy and yoga-based interventions over nine days. Compared with a control group that received only oral hypoglycemics, people in the intervention group showed significant improvements in nerve function and reductions in blood glucose, body mass index, and oxidative stress. The authors suggest that integrative approaches may support diabetic neuropathy management, though longer studies are needed.
2. May Strengthen Muscles
Over time, neuropathy can contribute to muscle loss and weakness. Yoga may be a gentle, low-impact way to strengthen your muscles without aggravating your symptoms.
3. May Increase Balance and Stability
Peripheral neuropathy in the feet can increase the risk of falls and fractures by affecting the nerves that help you stay balanced. A consistent exercise program can boost balance, build strength, improve speed, and increase mobility.
Regularly practicing yoga may help improve balance and stability, Soroka says. Yoga won’t necessarily eliminate risks right away, but it might be a long-term strategy to help build confidence in your movements and reduce the chance of falling.
4. May Improve Sleep
Many people with peripheral neuropathy experience painful flare-ups at night — possibly due to stress, muscular pain, or twitching — leading to poor sleep.
This is another area for which yoga may be able to offer a little relief, says Soroka. By pairing stretching and intentional breathing, yoga aims to relax your body and mind. Over time, a yoga practice may help reduce the chronic pain and stress that may be harming your sleep or causing sleep disruption, she adds.
5. May Enhance the Mind-Body Connection
In yoga, when you breathe mindfully and pay attention to physical sensations in the body, you begin to foster a deeper sense of awareness about what feels good or aggravating to the body. This is known as building the mind-body connection.
This connection comes in handy off the mat, too. For example, it may give you an idea of which tasks or activities you feel comfortable pushing through and which you may want to skip, Soroka says.
6. May Reduce Stress
A regular yoga practice can help you learn to better handle the stress and challenge of living with peripheral neuropathy, Soroka explains.
Peripheral neuropathy can’t be cured, but meditative practices may help you learn to manage your stress because you become more mindful and accepting in the present moment. In other words, when you begin to breathe and be present on the mat, you can more easily shift into a pattern of acceptance off the mat.
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