Being confined to bed rest is no fun and can be very dangerous as when your body is innactive, you are at risk of DVT (Deep Vein Thrombosis aka Blood Clots). It is important to keep something moving and it is more than likely that you will have been given blood thinning tablets from the doctor (especially if you are a smoker).
Should you find yourself 'immobilised' at any time, here is a simple but effective yoga exercise that can help with a multitude of symptoms that arise in the bed ridden patient.
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This posture is easy to perform, and people of every age can practice it.
While lying on the back on a firm surface, ask the bedridden patient to keep the palms down and close to the body. Bring the heels and toes together and keep them loose. The whole body must be straight and the patient must look up to the ceiling and breathe normally.
-Lift one knee up towards the patient’s chest.
-Pull the knee towards the chest and stomach without pulling the ankle.
-In that posture, ask the patient to relax all the muscles and continue to breathe normally. Maintain the posture for 6 to 8 seconds.
-Release by returning the leg back to its original position.
-Repeat with the other leg, pressing against the chest and stomach.
The Benefits
The foot and calf asanas activate the inert lymph and venous blood. These alleviate tiredness and cramps, as well as prevent venous thrombosis, especially in bedridden or post-operative patients.
This posture, specifically, activates the pancreas and other organs within the abdomen, and alleviates wind trouble and acidity. It also loosens the hip joints and stimulates the abdominal muscle and intestines, eliminating constipation and correcting any stomach breakdown.
Pavanmukta Asana is a posture that complements the effects of a low air loss mattress in permanently bedridden patients. Its objective is also to activate important parts and organs in the body, which are compromised due to the regular lack of movement.
Pregnant women should not practice this posture, and people who have had belly surgery, or suffer from hernia and piles, should talk to a yoga expert before performing it.
Our thanks to www.volkner.com for this article