"Learning how to observe and control one's breath is an essential part of yoga practice. Besides the obvious physiological benefit, breathing slowly and deeply, and using the abdomen, has another advantage. It helps to remove feelings of stress and anxiety and to encourage a more relaxed, contented outlook" (Irvine, 2001, p.50). Breathing is something that can be easily taught to patients in the hospital setting. Many people breath from their chest. Adbominal breathing increases the amount of oxygen intake per breath, increasing the feelings of self-awareness and relaxation. It also means that more oxygen is available to the body.

Teaching patients about proper abdominal breathing can be done during any bedside proceedure, such as a bed bath. Tell the patients to imagine a balloon in their abdomen. When they breathe in through their nostrils, tell them to imagine filling up that balloon. During expiration, release the air from the balloon. This will encourage proper breathing through the abdomen, making the patients more aware of their breathing patterns. (Irvine, 2001) This is an easy way for nurses to advocate for their patients health and promote self-care. It only takes a few minutes of teaching time and the benefits can be life long.

Having good flexibility has many more benefits beyond increasing one's range of motion. "Here are some of the positive outcomes of flexibility training:

• Reduction of stress and tension
• Muscle relaxation
• Improved fitness, posture, and symmetry
• Relief of muscle cramps
• Relief of muscle soreness
• Prevention of injury
• Reduced frequency of injury
• Return to full range of motion after an injury"

(Anspaugh, Hamrick, Rosato, 2000)

Many stretches can be done in bed. This can be helpul to patients in the hospital, as long as the movements have been approved by the appropraite physician and don't contradict any range of motion restrictions. Some easy stretches that can be perfomred in bed are stretching the neck and arms. Basic stretches such as guiding an ear down to the shoulder are part of basic yoga stretching. For more information of stretches that can be easily incorporated into the hospital setting, refer to: www.yogajournal.com

"If your patients ask about yoga:

• Advise them to consult their health care provider before starting a yoga program because some yoga postures can be stressful to people with certain health problems.
• Remind them that yoga is a complementary therapy, not a cure for disease. They will need to continue any conventional medical treatments they're currently following.
• Warn them to try different positions cautiously and remind them that very few people can do all the movements in the beginning.
• Inform them that yoga requires regular practice to be effective."
  
  (Nursing, 2001, p.20)
  
  
  
  
  
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  References
  
  
  Anspaugh, Hamrick & Rosato. (2000) Wellness Concepts and Applications
  
  
  Irvine, E., (2001), Yoga and breathing exercises for mother and child. Positive Health 65 p.49-53.
  
  

  Author unknown. (2001), Discovering yoga. Nursing 2(31), p.20)

  
  
  
  

  ***This website was created by Lesley Forrest and Donna Mitchell, April, 2003***