YOGA FOR LEUCODERMA

Introduction

Leucoderma is a skin condition, characterized by formation of white patches on the skin. It is also known by the name Vitiligo. It is the deficiency of pigment melanin that causes the development of white patches on the body. It is more common in women. Hands, neck, back and wrist are most affected. Initially small white spots appear, and gradually develop into white patches. These can occur all over the body. These patches are pale in the beginning, later on they become whiter with time, as the 'melanin' pigment is worn-out from the skin. The patches can be caused due to plenty of reasons but the most common among them is worm infestation and/or calcium deficiencies. These patches eventually increase in sizes and produce lot of psychological stress in the person. It is an autoimmune disease and can have genetic predispositions.

Excessive mental worry, burn injuries, defective perspiration mechanism, ailments like typhoid that affect gastro-intestinal tract, acute or chronic gastric disorder, worms or parasites in the alimentary canal and impaired hepatic function are the main causes of leucoderma.There is no cure for leucoderma, but there are several treatments, including dyes or psoralens used in combination with Ultraviolet a light treatment. However recent days shows a considerable amount of cure by following many yoga asanas.

Yoga and Leucoderma

The skin protects the body from cold, heat, sunshine, wind and diseases and through sweat it throws out the waste material. Bodys complete health depends upon the skin. Skin diseases should not be ignored and should be treated immediately. Perspiration is necessary for good health. Lack of perspiration signifies presence of some disease like leucoderma dark spots, prickly heat, boils and skin diseases are few of them. The system of your body works well with the help of yoga. Moreover, it helps your skin to reproduce new cells. Yoga balances the internal hormonal system of your body. The hormones are very important to keep your skin soft. The physical exercises of yoga keeps you fit. It helps the fluids to carry oxygen to the skin. Yoga therapy includes nutritious food, restraint and a code of conduct to be followed by the diseased. The site, therefore, includes only the common beneficial effects of yogasana on various diseases.

YOGA POSES FOR LEUCODERMA

Cobra Pose

Cobra Pose is one of the best ways to maintain the body in perfect condition. It increases spinal strength and flexibility, helps prevent lower backache, and helps cure lumbago, rheumatism, and arthritis of the spine. It also relieves menstrual problems (irregularity, cramps, backache) cures loss of appetite, helps correct bad posture, and improves the functioning of the liver and spleen.

Bow Pose

The Bow Pose resembles an archer's bow. It strengthens the muscles in the back area, improves posture, and helps in dealing with several gastrointestinal problems. Take note that this Yoga Pose is not for people who are suffering from serious neck or back injury. The pose is so named because as you hold it, your body is bent back like a bow and your arms are held straight and taut like a bowstring.

Pranayam

Pranayama is very important technique in yoga which is control and extension of Prana or Vital energy or Life force. Pranayama helps in management of this energy. Various techniques are available in yoga, which give interesting but good results. The Pranayama can be classified in 2 types in terms of physiology, Hypo ventilation or vitalizing pranayama and Hyper ventilation or relaxing pranayama. Kapalbhati, Bhasrika and Fast breathing can be classified under Hyper ventilation (increases Oxygen and reduces carbon dioxide) and Deep breathing, Bhramari, Shitali, Sitkari can be classified as Hypo ventilation.

Seated Forward Bend Pose

This seated bend stimulates the internal organs and is also beneficial in relieving some symptoms of menopause and PMS. Relax your body and mind, stretch your hamstrings, shoulders, and spine, relieve stress, and improve your posture and concentration by practicing the Seated Forward Bend.

YOGA ASANAS FOR LEUCODERMA

GOMUKHASANA

Gomukhasana prevents enlargement of the testicles and calcium deposits in the shoulder joints. It also helps in treating sciatica and piles. It relieves muscular pain in the back and sprains in the forearms. It is one of the best asanas for respiratory disorders, hypertension and cardiac complaints.

Steps

Sit on the floor with legs outstretched. Fold your left leg and bring the foot under the right hip.
Similarly, fold the right leg over the left and place the right heel by the side of the left hip. Both the soles should face upwards.
Raise your right hand and bend it to bring it behind the shoulder.
In the same way, bend your left hand behind the back and entwine the fingers. Keep your spine straight. Note that if the right leg is over the left, the right elbow should face upward and the left, downwards. This position may be reversed when the leg position is changed.
Hold the posture for 30 seconds and repeat reversing the sides.

VIPARITAKARANI

This is a wonderful yoga position that few of us take the time to do and most of us need. It is a gentle inversion that helps to relieve the effects of stress by soothing the nervous system, increasing circulation and allowing the mind to calm. It is especially great for people who spend too much time sitting and standing since it relieves swelling and fatigue in the legs and feet by reversing the effects of gravity.

Steps

Place a bolster or two folded blankets about 2 inches away from the wall.
Sit sideways on the bolster so your right hip and side are touching the wall. With the bolster under your bottom, lower you back, using the support of your elbows and forearms, and swivel around to take your right leg and then your left leg up the wall.
Stay in the pose for 10 minutes or longer. If you are tired, it is natural to fall asleep in this pose.
When you are ready to come out, bend your knees, turn to your side, and relax on the floor for a few more breaths before you slowly sit up.

VRIKSHASANA

Vrikshasana is an asana or pose that is excellent for any yoga routine intended for the improvement of flexibility and balance.

Steps

Inhale and exhale take both your arms up above your head from the sides and join your palms above the head.
Lift your heels, stand on your toes and pull your whole body upwards, keeping more weight on the left foot.
Continue breathing normally.
Use your right hand to lift up the left foot and bring it to rest on the right leg; sole of the foot resting on the right inner thigh.
Stretch your hands as far up as possible. The more your body is stretched, the easier it is to maintain the balance.
Keep your sight and mind fixed on an object in front.
Releasing, exhale and bring both your hands down from the sides.
Simultaneously, bring your heels to the floor in a normal standing position.

VAKRASANA

Vakrasana was taught before Ardhamatsyendrasana, 'Vakra' means 'twisted'.

Steps

Sit in Dandasana. Bend the right leg and bring the right foot near the left knee.
Place the right palm on the ground right behind the back, the fingers pointing backwards.
With the left arm, kept straight, push the bent leg towards the left. If possible, place the arm on the ground near the right foot.
Pressing against the right leg and the ground, twist the head and shoulders as far back as possible.
While returning, first bring back the head and shoulders.
Doing the same motions on the other side completes the asana.

PADMASANA

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While doing any asana, it is very important to be alert and be conscious of what we are doing. Concentration and relaxation play a vital role in the practice of yoga. Padmasana is also called kamalasana, which means lotus. The form of the legs while performing this asana gives the appearance of a lotus. It is the best asana for contemplation.

Steps

For padmasana sit in the Dandasana (staff pose) with spine straight and legs extended in front of you.
Then fold the right knee, put the right ankle on to the left thigh, and then pulls the left ankle over the folded right leg and places it on the right thigh.
Take hold of both feet and ease them further in toward your groin, aiming for a balanced, symmetrical position.
The head, neck and spine must be straight in Padmasana. Place the hands on the knees with the fingers depicting the holy sign, as in Chin or Jnana Mudra.
Close the eyes and concentrate on your normal breathing. Sit in this posture as long as you can.

Diseases Related to Aquarius
Cholesterol	Halitosis	Leucoderma
Varicose-Vein