Effect of yogic practices in the management of fibromyalgia: A review
Purnima Singh, Sobika Rao
Yoga Mimamsa April 3, 2024 DOI: 10.4103/ym.ym_51_23 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Review Randomized Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Topics | Breathwork |
| Keywords | Fibromyalgia syndrome Yoga Yogic practices |
| Key findings | Argues that yogic practices significantly help in managing fibromyalgia symptoms, including pain, stiffness, fatigue, sleep disturbance, and depression. |
Abstract
Fibromyalgia (FM) is characterized by widespread pain, fatigue, stiffness, sleep irregularities, and tenderness of joints and muscles due to dysregulation of neurophysiological functions. It is more common in women compared to men. Till now, there is no specific treatment available for FM. The review aimed to review the literature on the effect of yogic practices on FM. The search was done in the following databases: Google Scholar and PubMed. The articles were searched using the keywords, FM, FM syndrome, Yoga, Pranayama, Yogic practices, and alternative therapy, without date restrictions which yielded 28 results, and eight articles were included in the final review. A review of the included articles showed the significant role of yogic practices in managing symptoms of FM, including stiffness, pain, sleep disturbance, fatigue, and depression. The yogic interventions such as asanas, Surya Namaskar, Nadi Shodhana Pranayama, and mindfulness meditation of specific duration were helpful in relieving the symptoms of FM. Yogic practices are helpful in the management of FM symptoms. Future randomized controlled trials contrasting various forms of yoga or exercise, however, will enable the identification of the most efficient treatments for FM and allow for more precise targeting of the patients who will benefit most from them.
Comparable studies
Other narrative reviews on breathwork, most cited first.
| Study | Year | Design | Participants |
|---|---|---|---|
| Coupling of respiration and attention via the locus coeruleus: Effects of meditation and pranayama | 2018 | Review with original findings | |
| High ventilation breathwork practices: An overview of their effects, mechanisms, and considerations for clinical applications. | 2023 | Review | |
| Breathwork in body psychotherapy: Towards a more unified theory and practice | 2011 | Review | |
| A Practitioner’s Guide to Breathwork in Clinical Mental Health Counseling | 2020 | Review | |
| Bhramari Pranayama as an aid to meditation: A review of classical yoga texts | 2020 | Review |
Citations in the library
Cites 4
- Meditation experience is associated with increased cortical thickness Neuroreport November 7, 2005
- A randomized controlled trial of mindfulness meditation versus relaxation training: Effects on distress, positive states of mind, rumination, and distraction Annals of Behavioral Medicine February 1, 2007
- A Protocol and Pilot Study for Managing Fibromyalgia with Yoga and Meditation International Journal of Yoga Therapy September 1, 2011
- Mindful Yoga Pilot Study Shows Modulation of Abnormal Pain Processing in Fibromyalgia Patients. International Journal of Yoga Therapy January 2016