In this article, Dr. Selina Dunn, Manchester GP and Pain Management Specialist, explains how gentle movement and targeted breathing exercises help in the recovery from Long Covid.
"I truly believe in this programme and feel that it will help many people suffering from the ongoing effects that COVID has had on their lives, physically and emotionally.
"By taking the time to be present in the moment by slowing down our breath, focusing and relaxing with the inflow and outflow of the breath we can experience a change in our current experience. Also research has shown that breathing in this way can help with persistent coughing and breathlessness after Covid.
"When this breath work is performed in conjunction with simple gentle movements, it creates a relaxed focus that can help to reduce muscular stiffness and pain, improve mental clarity, energise and improve our overall sense of well being (by reducing symptoms of stress, low mood and anxiety).
"These positive benefits can stay with us long after the practice is finished and with most things in life, the more we practice, the greater benefit it will give us in the short and long term.
"I’ve had so many people tell me, “I’m not flexible enough to do yoga” or that they feel yoga is for a certain "type" of person, mainly referring to body type or physical ability. "The reality is that flexibility doesn’t really have anything to do with yoga. Yoga is an inward practice, a way of coming home to ourselves and empowering ourselves to cope with the current challenges of our lives.
"This programme is suitable for everyone who is struggling with symptoms attributable to Long Covid (other causes for symptoms have been excluded) and want to feel better, make progress in their rehabilitation and enjoy life more fully." Dr. Selina Dunn, MBChB, MRCGP, MSc Pain Management."
To join to the six part Yoga for Long Covid Programme, visit the Membership sign-up page.