Yoga Teacher Training Forum

Restless leg syndrome (RLS) is an unpleasant, itching sensation that causes stressful situation mostly during night time. The condition can keep an individual wake up for almost whole night and sleepy all day. According to health experts restless legs syndrome is a neurological state thought to be prompted by disturbance in the way of neurotransmitter, a chemical messenger the brain uses. When the neurotransmitter dopamine functions normally it will support muscles of body to move in a smooth and controlled manner but when the pathway of these neurotransmitters are interrupted or disturbed can cause uncontrolled movements of muscles.

To avoid problems originated by restless leg syndrome experts advised that, it is better to keep a regular bed time routine and adopt the habit of exercising daily. In a study it is stated that, regular routine of physical workout can lead to less RLS with longer and deep sleep. The ancient practice of yoga is referred as an excellent and effective physical activity that is helpful in easing conditions related to restless legs syndrome. According to a research published in a Journal named as Evidence Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine, regular practice of yoga poses, stretches and breathing techniques are beneficial in getting relief from symptoms of restless legs syndrome and also offer better sleep, decrease in blood pressure level and feelings of stress.

The therapy of yoga is a combination of three basic remedies stretching, relaxing meditating with controlled breathing which aids in reducing effects of RLS efficiently and naturally. As reported in a study conducted by West Virginia University of Public Health for 8 weeks, in the investigation all participants were women, ages 32-66 suffering from symptoms of restless leg syndrome. These women experienced problems rated from moderate to severe due to continual day and night symptoms. After practicing 13 classes of gentle Lyengar yoga most of them noticed improvement in their condition and those women who concluded 8 weeks complete study by practicing yoga techniques found consistent relief from their issues. 9 out of 10 women found reduction in symptoms to lowest level.

Some of the therapeutic yoga postures with controlled breath helpful in getting relief from restless legs syndrome are mentioned below,

• Legs up the Wall Pose (Vipariti Karani): This posture is a wonderful restorative and muscles relaxing pose, easily performed in evening for those who sit or stand throughout the day.
• Standing Forward Fold (Uttanasana): This standing forward bend can be practiced at any time as it provides stretch to back side muscles of legs and spine foothold with gravity. Hold the pose till 5-10 breaths.
• Seated Forward Fold (Paschimottonasana): This seated forward fold engages feet and legs muscles for stabilizing lower body. Taking deep and calm breath hold the pose for 5-10 breaths.
• Supported Bridge Pose (Setu Bandhanasana): The posture is performed in reclining position by lying on back with bent knees and feet flat on surface with hip distant apart, a block or pillow is used as a support. This pose can be practiced at any time in morning or evening.