Yoga for Eczema Relief | Cure for Eczema

Eczema Relief

Eczema is an extremely itchy skin condition that affects many people throughout the world.

Symptoms: The most common symptom of eczema is its extreme itchiness. It is so itchy, that patients of eczema complain that it is unbearable, and once they start scratching they are unable to stop. Due to this extreme itch, patients have often been known to scratch their skin raw.

Sometimes, the eczema takes the form of oozing blisters, which then form a hard scab. The skin around the blisters is red and inflamed. For some, eczema manifests itself as angry red rashes, commonly on the neck, arms, hands and legs, and sometimes on other parts of the body also.

Causes: Eczema can be caused by various factors.

• It could be atopic, which means it is genetic.
• For others, environmental factors could be the cause. Eczema has been blamed on contact with soil and dust, or with certain chemicals like air fresheners, paint thinners or bug sprays. Scented detergents, toilet papers, soaps and perfumes could also set off an eczema condition. Woolen clothes, that rub against the skin, extreme temperatures, and even simple activities like taking baths too frequently or long showers with very hot water, could lead to eczema conditions.
• Certain dietary products can also trigger eczema. Wheat, peanuts, eggs, milk and dairy products can set off an eczema attack.
• Recently, a link has also been found between stress and a flare-up of eczema. Feelings of frustration and anger can be potent triggers.

Cure for Eczema

While there is no cure for eczema, it can be kept under control with certain dietary and lifestyle changes. These changes will bring about eczema relief in cases of a flare-up.

Doctors advise you to note down what environmental conditions or foods bring on an attack and avoid these triggers. Avoid long baths with very hot water and wear cotton clothes. Yoga for eczema is also recommended as an eczema alternative treatment since it brings down stress levels.

Yoga is a good alternative for treating eczema and keeping it under control. Try a daily routine of breathing exercises (Pranayama), poses (asanas) and meditation.

• Pranayama would include the complete breathing exercises. Alternative Nostril Breathing (Anuloma-Viloma) is particularly helpful as it cleanses the lungs and all other internal organs, and helps flush out toxins from the blood. Also helpful is the Kapalbhati (Shining Skull). Also do the Nadi Purifying Pranayama (Nadi Shodhan Pranayama). This will open up the nadis (channels or pathways) of the body, and release stress. All these help to calm the mind.
• After the complete set of breathing exercises, do a few asanas (poses). The Plough Pose (Halasana), Child Pose (Balasana), Shoulder Stand (Sarvangasana), Cobra Pose (Bhujangasana) and the Sun Salutation (Surya Namaskar) are recommended for this condition. Follow it up with the Corpse Pose (Shavasana), which completely relaxes the body.
• The last step should be a few minutes of meditation, which will help to completely still the body and mind and fill it with serenity.