and the Gastrointestinal System

Compiled by: Trisha Lamb

Last Revised: April 27, 2006

© 2004 by International Association of Yoga Therapists (IAYT)

International Association of Yoga Therapists P.O. Box 2513 • Prescott • AZ 86302 • Phone: 928-541-0004 E-mail: [email protected] • URL: www.iayt.org

The contents of this bibliography do not provide medical advice and should not be so interpreted. Before beginning any exercise program, see your physician for clearance.

NOTE: See also the “Crohn’s Disease,” “Colitis,” “Constipation,” “Diarrhea,” “Digestion,” “Hemorrhoids,” “Hernia,” “Irritable Bowel Syndrome,” and “Ulcers” bibliographies.

Adhyatmananda, Swami. Hyperacidity. In Swami Adhyatmananda, Yoga and Health. The Divine Life Society. Article available online: http://www.divyajivan.org/yoga&health/hyperacidity.htm.

Against the wind: Herbs, yoga, diet tips, and other simple solutions for flatulence. New Age Journal, Sep 1996, 12(6).

Atreya. Digestive problems. In Atreya, : The Secret of Yogic Healing. York Beach, Me.: Samuel Weiser, 1996, pp. 124-125.

Bhajan, . Constipation; Colon, to cleanse; Digestion, to improve; Digestive problems, emergency; Gas. In Alice Clagett and Elandra Kirsten Meredith, eds., Yoga for Health and Healing: From the Teachings of Yogi Bhajan, Ph.D. Santa Monica, Calif.: Alice B. Clagett, 1994, pp. 53 (see entry for arthritis); 59; 62; 63; 68-69.

Bhat, Vasanthi. Acidity. In Vasanthi Bhat, The Power of Conscious Breathing in . San Jose, Calif.: Vasanthi Bhat, 1997, p. 218.

Bhole, M. V. Gastric tone as influenced by mental states and . Yoga- Mimamsa, 1983, 22(1&2):54-58.

Bhumi. to aid digestion. Australian Yoga Life, 2003, no. 7, pp. 63-66.

Biswas, R., A. Paul, and K. J. Shetty. A yoga teacher with persistent reflux symptoms. Intternational Journal of Clinical Practice, Nov 2002, 56(9):723. PMID: 12469992.

Bogart, Leslie. Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). ESutra mailing list post, 27 Apr 2001.

“Your student might first be certain that each breath throughout his or her yoga practice is smooth and deep in every pose (emphasizing the exhale a little more). Your student may have to simplify the practice temporarily in order to ensure that each breath is indeed smooth.

“I would not do deep forward bends for a while, and would also be careful with deep twists and backbends where the abdomen/diaphragm is compressed. He or she should not bring her diaphragm below the waist, so that the abdominal contents do not compress the diaphragm, so dog with hands on the wall and ‘half’ forward bends with hands on the legs or supported with blankets would work.

2 “If he or she has to eliminate some postures, re-adding one type (i.e., deep forward bends, or deep twists) at a time will allow the student to see what works and what doesn't. Also cranial osteopathy could help to free the diaphragm over the long run.”

The moderator of ESutra, Leslie Kaminoff, also noted that the April 2001 issue of Vegetarian Times magazine contains a very informative article on GERD.

Boyko, Chris Erdmann. Yoga poses stimulate digestive system. The Edmonton Sun, N11 Nov 2001, p. H11.

Broden, G., A. Dolk, C. Frostell, B. Nilsson, and B. Holmstrom. Voluntary relaxation of the external anal sphincter. Dis Colon Rectum, May 1989, 32(5):376-378. (Utilized Scandinavian Yoga School anal sphincter exercise.)

Chang, Steven T., with Richard C. Miller. Healing the stomach; Constipation; Diarrhea; Overacidity. In Steven T. Chang with Richard C. Miller, The Book of Internal Exercises. San Francisco: Strawberry Hill Press, 1978, p. 78; 133; 133; 135.

Christensen, Alice. Improved digestion; Stomach lift; Seated twist; Seated knee squeeze; Folded pose; Seated full bend breath; Full bend twist; Elbow to knee; Shoulder to knee; Gentle full bends; Standing knee squeeze; Sun pose stretch; Seated sun pose; Gentle twist; Knee squeeze; Baby pose. In Alice Christensen, Easy Does It® Yoga. New York: Simon & Schuster, 1999, pp. 51; 61-62; 79; 82-83; 84-85; 86-87; 88-89; 89-90; 90-91; 97; 100-101; 110-111; 111-112; 113-114; 116-118; 125-126.

Desai, B. P., and M. V. Bhole. Gastric responses to different lengths of vastra dhauti. The Yoga Review, 1982, 2(2):101-108.

______, and M. V. Bhole. Gastric responses to vastra dhauti and standard test meal—a comparison. The Yoga Review, 1982, 2(1):53-58; Yoga-Mimamsa, 1981, 20(3):13-33.

______, and M. V. Bhole. Influences of vastra dhauti on gastric secretions in normal subjects. Yoga-Mimamsa, 1983, 22(1&2):63-72.

______, and M. L. Gharote. Effect of madhya on stomach acidity. Yoga- Mimamsa, 1983, 22(3&4):110-117.

Dolk, A., B. Holmstrom, C. Johansson, C. Frostell, and B. Y. Nilsson. The effect of yoga on puborectalis paradox. International Journal of Colorectal Diseases, Aug 1991, 6(3):139-142. d’Orado, Elle. Nirvana Yoga: Practice for better digestion. Living Practice, Jan 2002. URL: http:// www.yogaeverywhere.com/newsletter.html.

Easy yoga for elimination. Article available online: http://www.goldentemple.com/Clients/KIIT/GT/Yoga.nsf/AllKriyas.

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Esutra mailing list. See 10 Dec 1999 thread on ulcerative colitis. To join Esutra, write to the list moderator, Leslie Kaminoff, [email protected].

Farhi, Donna. Constipation. In Donna Farhi, The Breathing Book. New York: Henry Holt & Co., 1996, pp. 212-213.

Gach, Michael Reed, with Carolyn Marco. Large intestine meridian; Large intestine meridian balancing exercise; Stomach meridian; Stomach meridian balancing exercise; Spleen meridian; Spleen meridian balancing exercise; Small intestine meridian; Small intestine meridian balancing exercise. In Michael Reed Gach with Carolyn Marco, Acu- Yoga: The Acupressure Stress Management Book. Tokyo: Japan Publications, 1981, pp. 1-2; 103-104; 104; 105; 106; 106-107; 108; 109.

______. Digestion. In Michael Reed Gach with Carolyn Marco, Acu-Yoga: The Acupressure Stress Management Book. Tokyo: Japan Publications, 1981, pp. 74, 104, 105, 106-107, 114-117, 124, 181-189.

Garde, R. K. Acidosis; Colitis; Dyspepsia; Gastritis; Peptic ulcer. In R. K. Garde, Principles and Practice of Yoga-Therapy. Bombay, India: D. B. Taraporevala Sons & Co., 1972, 1984, pp. 50-51; 60-61; 70-71; 71-72; 76.

Gharote, M. L. Effect of air swallowing on the gastric acidity: A pilot study. Yoga- Mimamsa, 1971, 14(1&2):7-10.

______, and P. V. Karambelkar. Influence of danda dhauti on gastric acidity. In S. Digambarji, ed., Collected Papers on Yoga. Lonavla, India: Kaivalyadhama, 1975, pp. 41-47.

Gitananda Giri, Dr. Swami. Pain and yoga. Yoga Life, Mar 2001, 32(3):27-34.

On release of flatulence-related pain.

______. The conquest of pain [by yoga]. In Abstracts of the 2nd Annual Symposium of the Indian Academy of Yoga, Dec-Jan 1982-83. Madras: Indian Institute of Technology. Reprinted in Yoga Life, Jan 2003, 34(1):3-10.

On the pavana mukta asanas for relieving pain of gastric disorders.

Gunde, Dhananjay. Role of in ano-rectal problems. Bombay Hospital Journal, Apr 2000, 42(2). Available online: http://www.bhj.org/journal/2000_4202_apr00/sp_367.htm.

Harrison, Ann. The role of asanas in digestion. Ayurveda Today, 31 Dec 1996, 9(3):10- 11.

4 Hassanagas, Pavlos K. Influence of yoga techniques in the therapy of psychosomatic diseases with gastrointestinal manifestation. Athens, Greece: International Association of Yoga Science Centres, 1997. Email: [email protected], URL: http://www.yoga.org.mk.

Herring, Barbara Kaplan. Gut feelings: Applying Ayurvedic wisdom to your yoga practice can help relieve digestive problems. , Jan/Feb 2001. Article available online: http://www.yogajournal.com/health/119_1.cfm.

Hewitt, James. Constipation; Gall bladder disorders; Indigestion; Piles; Wind pains. In James Hewitt, The Complete Yoga Book. New York: Schocken Books, 1977, pp. 366, 367; 368.

Intestinal cleansing: Shankprakshalana. Bindu, no. 8.

Iyengar, B. K. S. Acidity; Colitis; Constipation; Diarrhoea; Flatulence; Gastritis; Indigestion; Piles. In B. K. S. Iyengar, . Rev. ed. New York: Schocken Books, 1979, pp. 487; 493; 493; 494; 496; 496; 499-500; 503.

______. Digestive system. In B. K. S. Iyengar, Yoga: The Path to Holistic Health. London/New York: Dorling Kindersley, 2001, pp. 263-277. (Indigestion, acidity, constipation, diarrhea, irritable bowel syndrome, duodenal ulcers, gastric ulcers, ulcerative colitis.)

Jogdand, S. B. Role of yoga therapy in peptic ulcer: A case study. In H. R. Nagendra, R. Ragarathna, and S. Telles, Yoga Research & Applications: Proceedings of the 5th International Conference on Frontiers in Yoga Research and Applications. Bangalore, Vivekananda Kendra Yoga Research Foundation, 2000, pp. 233-234.

Karmananda Saraswati, Swami, under the guidance of Swami . Gastro-intestinal tract. In Swami Karmananda Saraswati under the guidance of Swami Satyananda Saraswati, Yogic Management of Common Diseases. Bihar, India: , 1983, pp. 85-144. (Covers disorders of the digestive system, peptic ulcer, constipation, colitis, acute gastro-enteritis, malabsorption states, diabetes mellitus, hepatitis, obesity.)

Keefer, L., and E. B. Blanchard. The effects of relaxation response meditation on the symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome: Results of a controlled treatment study. Behavior Research and Therapy, Jul 2001, 39(7):801-811. PMID: 11419611.

Abstract: In this study, Herbert Benson’s (1975) Relaxation Response Meditation program was tested as a possible treatment for Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS). Participants were 16 adults who were matched into pairs based on presence of Axis I disorder, primary IBS symptoms and demographic features and randomized to either a six week meditation condition or a six week wait list symptom monitoring condition. Thirteen participants completed treatment and follow-up. All subjects assigned to the Wait List were subsequently treated. Patients in the treatment condition were taught the

5 meditation technique and asked to practice it twice a day for 15 minutes. Composite Primary IBS Symptom Reduction (CPSR) scores were calculated for each patient from end of baseline to two weeks post-treatment (or to post wait list). One tailed independent sample t-tests revealed that Meditation was superior to the control (P=0.04). Significant within-subject improvements were noted for flatulence (P=0.03) and belching (P=0.02) by post-treatment. By three month follow-up, significant improvements in flatulence (P<0.01), belching (P=0.02), bloating (P=0.05), and diarrhea (P=0.03) were shown by symptom diary. Constipation approached significance (P=0.07). Benson’s Relaxation Response Meditation appears to be a viable treatment for IBS.

______. A one year follow-up of relaxation response meditation as a treatment for irritable bowel syndrome. Behavior Research and Therapy, May 2002, 40(5):541-546. PMID: 12038646. Author email: [email protected].

Abstract: Ten of thirteen original participants with Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) participated in a one year follow-up study to determine whether the effects of Relaxation Response Meditation (RRM) on IBS symptom reduction were maintained over the long- term. From pre-treatment to one-year follow-up, significant reductions were noted for the symptoms of abdominal pain (p = 0.017), diarrhea (p = 0.045), flatulence (p = 0.030), and bloating (p = 0.018). When we examined changes from the original three month follow- up point to the one year follow-up, we noted significant additional reductions in pain (p = 0.03) and bloating (p = 0.04), which tended to be the most distressing symptoms of IBS. It appears that: (1) continued use of meditation is particularly effective in reducing the symptoms of pain and bloating; and (2) RRM is a beneficial treatment for IBS in the both short- and the long-term.

Khanna, S. L. Sankh prakshchalan (cleaning of intestines); Acidity; Constipation; Diarrhoea; Indigestion. In S. L. Khanna, Yogic Health Plan for Human Race. Delhi, India: B. Jain Publishers, 1995, pp. 17-24; 88; 88; 89; 89.

Kiran, K. S. Effects of Agnisara Kriya. In H. R. Nagendra, R. Ragarathna, and S. Telles, Yoga Research & Applications: Proceedings of the 5th International Conference on Frontiers in Yoga Research and Applications. Bangalore, Vivekananda Kendra Yoga Research Foundation, 2000, pp. 217-218.

Kiran, Usha. Integrated approach of yoga therapy for diabetes, obesity, constipation, insomnia, paralysis, and depression. Vivekananda Kendra Yoga Research Foundation, 1991.

Kline, Leia. Diagnosis: Crohn’s disease. Yoga Journal, Jul/Aug 2000, pp. 162-163.

Komitor, Jodi B., and Eve Adamson. Yoga to relieve baby’s colic; Yoga for kids’ upset stomachs, gas, constipation, and diarrhea. In Jodi B. Komitor and Eve Adamson, The Complete Idiot’s Guide to Yoga with Kids. New York: Macmillan, 2000.

Kraftsow, Gary. Digestion and assimilation; Hyper conditions of the digestive system; Hypo conditions of the digestive system. In Gary Kraftsow, Yoga for Wellness: Healing

6 with the Timeless Teachings of Viniyoga. New York: Penguin/Arkana, 1999, pp. 203- 205; 205-209; 210-215.

Kumar, Surinder. Yogic Cure for Piles, Fissure, Fistual (Bawaseer, Bhagandra, Nasur). Delhi, India: Books for All, [n.d.]

Kumar, Virendra. A study on the therapeutic potential of some hathayogic methods in the mangement of irritable bowel syndrome. The Journal of The International Association of Yoga Therapists, 1992, no. 3, pp. 25-38.

Kuvalayananda, Swami. or yogic flushing of the colon; Cecal constipation; Position of colon during nauli; Distribution of colon contents during nauli. Yoga- Mimamsa, 1924-1926, vol. 1-3.

______. Digestive disturbances in adolescence. Yoga-Mimamsa, 1928, 3(1):60-63.

Lakshmi, D. Integrated approach of yoga therapy of asthma, back pain, cervical spondylosis, GI disorders, and headache. Vivekananda Kendra Yoga Research Foundation, 1991.

Lewis, Dennis. Digestive breathing for improved digestion. Available online: http://authentic-breathing.com/breathing_tips.htm#digestive.

Little, Tias. The Belly Center workshop. 6th Annual Yoga Journal Convention, 27-30 Sep 2001, Estes Park, Colorado.

“The belly and intestines are like our second brain. Focus on moving from our belly center—the hara, the uddiyana, the tan-t’ien. Practice releasing the belly and finding ways for it to support us in the postures without tension. Through back arching, twists, and forward bending, we will bring clarity, lightness, and ease to our ‘belly brain’ center.”

Luby, Thia. Poses to relieve common physical ailments [in children]: Constipation; Stomach ache. Children’s Book of Yoga: Games & Exercises Mimic Plants & Animals & Objects. Santa Fe, N.M.: Clear Lights, 1998, p. 106.

Meares, A. Regression of cancer of the rectum after intensive meditation. Medical Journal of Australia, 1979, 17:539-540. (See also Secheny, S., below.)

Mehta, Mira. The abdominal organs: Stomach, liver and intestines.. In Mira Mehta, Health through Yoga: Simple Practice Routines and a Guide to the Ancient Teachings. London: Thorsons, 2002, pp. 96-110. (Combines Yoga and Ayurveda.)

Mehta, Rajiv H. Our digestive system. Yoga Rahasya, 1995, 2(4):16-19.

7 Mehta, Silva, Mira Mehta, and Shyam Mehta. Constipation; Diarrhea; Indigestion. In Silva, Mira, and Shyam Mehta, Yoga: The Iyengar Way. New York: Alfred A. Knopf, 1992, pp. 185; 186; 186.

Migdow, Jeff. The enjoy-your-meal breath. Kripalu Yoga Teachers Association Yoga Bulletin, Spring 2000, pp. 11-12.

______. Yoga and the digestive system. Kripalu Yoga Teachers Association Yoga Bulletin, Fall 2001, 10(3):11.

Mishra, J. P. N. Diarrhoea; Constipation; Peptic ulcer. In J. P. N Mishra, Preksha Yoga Management for Common Ailments. New Delhi, India: B. Jain Publishers, 1999, pp. 182- 184; 184-185; 186-187.

Mishra, S. P., and R. H. Singh. Effect of certain yogic asanas on the pelvic congestion and its anatomy. Ancient Science of Life, 1984, 4(2):127-128.

Monro, Robin, R. Nagarathna, and H. R. Nagendra. Diarrhoea; Hyperacidity; Haemorrhoids; Constipation. In Dr. Robin Monro, Dr. R. Nagarathna, and Dr. H. R. Nagendra, Yoga for Common Ailments. New York/London: Simon & Schuster, 1990, pp. 73; 74; 75; 75.

More fun than fibre. Chatelaine, Aug 1998, 71(8). (Constipated? Try yoga.)

Motiwala, Sam N. Treating chronic ailments with yoga: Constipation. Yoga Rahasya, 2002, 9(4):27-30.

______, and Rajiv H. Mehta. Treating chronic ailments with yoga: [Acidity, flatulence and belching]. Yoga Rahasya, 1995, 2(4):28-39.

Muzumdar, S. Constipation; Dyspepsia; Flatulence; Wind trouble. In S. Muzumdar, Healthy Middle-Age Through Yoga. Bombay, India: Jaico Publishing, 1960, 1993, p. 159; 159; 159; 160.

Nagarathna, R., and H. R. Nagendra. Therapeutic applications of yoga: A report. Abstr 2nd Ann Symp Indian Academy Yoga. Madras, India: Indian Inst Technology, Dec-Jan 1982-1983. (Discusses ulcerative colitis.)

Nelson, Kathleen. Gut feelings: If you suffer from Irritable Bowel Syndrome, yoga can help alleviate symptoms and keep stress in check. Yoga Journal, Nov 2002, p. 38.

Oki, Masahiro. Fallen stomach. In Masahiro Oki, Healing Yourself Through Okido Yoga. Tokyo: Japan Publications, 1977, pp. 49-54.

8 Parandekar, M. M. Constipation: Its causes and cure. Yoga- Mimamsa, 1933, 4.

Raman, Dr. Krishna. Gastroenterologic diseases [peptic ulcer, gastric ulcer, and duodenal ulcer]; [ and for] the digestive system. In Dr. Krishna Raman, A Matter of Health: Integration of Yoga & Western Medicine for Prevention & Cure. Chennai (Madras), India: Eastwest Books, 1998, pp. 389-393; 483.

Ranade, Subhash, and Sunanda Ranade. Colitis; Constipation; Diarrhoea; Dyspepsia; Flatulence; Gastritis; Hyperacidity; Indigestion; Intestinal gas - colic; Ulcerative colitis. In Subhash Ranade and Sunanda Ranade, Ayurveda and Yoga Therapy. Pune, India: Anmol Prakashan, 1995, pp. 35-36; 37-38; 48-49; 52-53; 65-66; 67; 82-83; 84-85; 86; 116-117.

Ravishankar, N. S. Acidity; Anorexia (loss of appetite); Colic or gastralgia; Constipation; Diarrhoea; Digestive disorder; Indigestion (dyspepsia); Intestinal parasites/problems; Tumours or sores in uterus/stomach. In N. S. Ravishankar, Yoga for Health: Curative Powers of Yogasanas. New Delhi: Pustak Mahal, 2001, pp. 133, 136; 141-142; 142; 145, 145-146; 157-158; 159-160; 170.

Richmond, Sonya. Constipation and indigestion; Stomach, kidney and liver complaints. In Sonya Richmond, How to Be Healthy with Yoga. New York: Bell Publishing, 1962, pp. 44-54, 149-157.

Sarasvati, Swami. Constipation. In Swami Sarasvati, Yoga. New York: Cornerstone Library, 1970, p. 85.

Sarkar, Shrii Prabhat Ranjan. Dyspepsia (indigestion); Acidity. In Shrii Prabhat Ranjan Sarkar, Yogic Treatments and Natural Remedies. 3d ed. Calcutta, India: Publications, 1993, pp. 1-4; 6-9.

9 Satyananda Saraswati, Swami. Answers the question: What is Shankha Prakshalana? Please tell its technique with precautions and benefits. In Ma Yogabhakti, ed., Yoga Discussed in Relation to Other Thoughts & A Dialogue on Practical Yoga. Bihar, India: The Bihar School of Yoga, 1968, pp. 90-93.

______. Diet and digestion; Disorders of digestion. In Swami Satyananda Saraswati, A Systematic Course in the Ancient Tantric Techniques of Yoga and Kriya. Monghyr, India: Bihar School of Yoga, 1981, pp. 146-150; 202-205. (Includes constipation, ulcers, food poisoning, and digestive infections.)

______. [ for] colitis and peptic ulcer. In Swami Satyananda, Yoga Nidra. 6th ed. Munger, Bihar, India: Yoga Publications Trust, 1998, pp. 204-205.

Schaeffer, Rachel. Relieve gas pain with yoga: these simple poses can ease discomfort and prevent embarrassment. Natural Health, Aug 2001. Article available online: http://www.findarticles.com/cf_0/m0NAH/6_31/80088295/p1/article.jhtml?term=yoga.

Secheny, S. Regression of cancer of the rectum after intensive meditation (letter). Medical Journal of Australia, 1980, 1(3):136-137.

Shah, J. T. [See various disorders below.]. In J. T. Shah, Therapeutic Yoga. Mumbai, India: Vakils, Feffer and Simons, 1999.

Colitis: pp. 30-31, 42-51, 62-63, 74-75, 88-89, 92-95, 98-99

Constipation: pp. xix, 8-15, 18-21, 24-27, 30-31, 34-39, 42-49, 52-53, 58-65, 68-71, 74- 95, 98-99

Diarrhoea: pp. 30-31, 42-45

Dyspepsia/indigestion: pp. xix, 8-15, 20-21, 24-27, 30-31, 34-39, 44-49, 52-53, 58-59, 60-63, 68-71, 74-75, 78-93

Eructations: pp. 48-49

Flatulence: pp. 48-49

Peptic ulcer: pp. 42-43, 46-47, 50-51, 88-91, 94-95, 98-99, 102-103

Shannahoff-Khalsa, David. Complementary healthcare practices: Stress management for gastrointestinal disorders: The use of Yoga meditation techniques. Gastroenterology Nursing, May-Jun 2002, 25(3):126-129. PMID: 12055381. Author email: [email protected].

Sharma, S. K., and Balmukand Singh. Gastro intestinal disorders. In S. K. Sharma and Balmuhand Singh, Yoga: A Guide to Healthy Living. New York: Barnes & Noble, 1998, pp. 73-74. (Includes chronic constipation, colitis, and irritable bowel syndrome.)

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Shivananda Saraswati, Srimat Swami. Acidity; Colitis; Constipation; Diarrhoea; Haematemesis; Indigestion; Duodenal ulcer, gastric ulcer or peptic ulcer. In Srimat Swami Shivananda Saraswati, Yogic Therapy or Yogic Way to Cure Diseases. 7th ed. Umachal Series No. 10. Guwahati, Assam/Calcutta, India: Umachal Prakashani, 1994, pp. 59-63; 110-112; 112-117; 140-141; 194-198; 222-227; 149-152.

Shivapremananda, Swami. Using yoga to treat digestive disorders. Yoga & Health, Feb 1998, pp. 16-17.

Singh, R. H., and K. N. Udupa. Role of certain yogic practices in the prevention and treatment of gastrointestinal disorders. J Res Med Yoga and Homeo, Jun 1976, 11(2):51- 59.

Sinha, A. K. [Indigestion; Constipation; Keeping bowels clear]. In A. K. Sinha, Perspectives in Yoga. Varanasi, India: Bharata Manisha, 1976.

Sivananda, Swami. Constipation: Its Causes and Cure. The Divine Life Society, 2002. URL: http://www.sivanandadlshq.org/books/es311.htm.

Contents: Prayers, Constipation, Causes of constipation, Hints on treatment of constipation, Laxatives and purgatives, Prescriptions, Purgatives, Ayurvedic medicines, Cathartic[s], Naturopathic treatment of constipation, Chromopathy, Homeopathic treatment of constipation, Unani remedies for constipation, Yogic panacea forconstipation, Yoga therapy, Piles saquelae, Store of piles, Hints on treatment of piles, Divine namapathy, Mr. Constipation and Mrs. Piles

Sparrowe, Linda, and Patricia Walden. Improving digestion. In Linda Sparrowe and Patricia Walden, The Woman’s Book of Yoga & Health: A Lifelong Guide to Wellness. Boston: Shambhala Publications, 2002.

Steinberg, Lois. Iyengar Yoga Therapeutics. Champaign-Urbana, Ill.: BKS Iyengar Yoga Institute of Champaign-Urbana. (Diarrhea, irritable bowel syndrome, see pp. 1-21.)

Sterios, Peter. Jatarhagni—Building Digestive Fire workshop. 6th Annual Yoga Journal Convention, 27-30 Sep 2001, Estes Park, Colorado.

Stewart, Mary. Constipation; Piles. In Mary Stewart, Teach Yourself Yoga. Lincolnwood (Chicago), Ill.: NTC/Contemporary Publishing/London: Hodder Headline, 1998, p. 129; 131.

SUNY study. Reviewed by Belleruth Naparstek (http://healthjourneys.com/hotresearch.asp): “SUNY at Albany’s Keefer and Blanchard matched 16 adults with Irritable Bowel Syndrome into pairs and randomly assigned them to either a 6 week meditation condition, or a 6 week wait list with a monitoring condition. Patients in the meditation condition were taught Herbert Benson’s Relaxation Response and instructed to practice it twice a day for 15 minutes. All patients were tested for

11 symptom reduction (The Composite Primary IBS Symptom Reduction Test) at the beginning of the study and 2 weeks after the end of the study. Meditation was found to be superior to the control situation (p=0.04). By the end of the study, the intervention group showed significant improvement in specific symptoms (flatulence: p=0.02 and belching: p=0.02). By 3 month follow-up time, significant improvements were found in these patients’ diary submissions, in flatulence (p=0.01), belching (p=0.02), bloating (p=0.05) and diarrhea (p=0.03). The study tentatively concludes that Benson’s Relaxation Response meditation is a viable treatment for IBS.”

Swami Vivekananda Yoga Research Foundation. Yoga for Digestive Disorders video. Bangalore, India: Swami Vivekananda Yoga Research Foundation, URL: http://www.vkyogas.org.in.

______. Gastrointestinal disorders: List of practices. In Swami Vivekananda Yoga Research Foundation, Set of Yoga Practices for Different Ailments. Bangalore, India: Swami Vivekananda Yoga Research Foundation, n.d. Includes Breathing exercises, Sithilikarana Vyayama (loosening exercises), Yogasanas, Pranayama, Meditation (Dharana, Dhyana), and Kriyas

Taylor, Louise, and Betty Bryant. The large intestine meridian; The stomach meridian; The spleen meridian; The small intestine meridian; The triple warmer meridian; The gall bladder meridian. In Louise Taylor and Betty Bryant, Acupressure, Yoga and You. New York/Tokyo: Japan Publications, 1984, pp. 41-46; 47-52; 53-58; 65-70; 89-94; 95-100.

Vempati, R. P., R. Nagarathna, and H. R. Nagendra. Efficacy of integrated approach of yoga therapy in cases of obesity, anxiety neurosis and gastrointestinal disorder. Vivekananda Kendra Yoga Research Foundation. Abstract available online: http://www.yogamedicine.com/publications.htm.

Voelker, Lakshmi. [ for constipation]. Available online: http://www.vicus.com/news_views/print_story/1,1213,10003,00.html.

Webb, Sharon. The heart of yoga. YOGAChicago, Mar-Apr 1999, pp. 26, 28. (Case studies on chronic constipation and intestinal pain.)

Weller, Stella. Diarrhoea; Stomach disorders; Ulcers (duodenal, gastric, peptic). In Stella Weller, Yoga Therapy. London: Thorsons, 1995, pp. 102; 131; 134.

Widdowson, Rosalind. Constipation. In Rosalind Widdowson, The Joy of Yoga. Garden City, N.Y.: Doubleday and Co., 1983, p. 45.

Wittkower, E., and K. Dhawan. [Treatment of chronic functional constipation with the methods of yoga practice]. Deutsche Medizinische Wochenschrift, 1933, 59:284-285. [In German.]

Yee, Rodney. Yoga Journal’s Yoga Remedies for Natural Healing video. (Includes indigestion.)

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Yesudian, Selvarajan. Special exercises to prevent colds and constipation. A Yoga Miscellany: A Collection of Class Lectures and Explanatory Texts for Students of Yoga. London: George Allen & Unwin, 1963, pp. 104-105.

Yoga Biomedical Trust Survey. Statistics on hemorrhoids and Yoga. Number of cases: 391; percent claiming benefit: 88%. See: http://urt.org/recovery.html..

Of Related Interest

Are Left-handers More Prone To Disease? 12 Jul 2001. Article available online: http://www.healthcentral.com/drdean/DeanFullTextTopics.cfm?ID=55901&src=n2.

For unknown reasons, “left-handed people are at twice the risk of developing inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), like colitis, Crohn’s disease, and ulcerative colitis.”

Health Central. Gotta go? Don’t squat! 21 Jun 2001. Article available online: http://www.healthcentral.com/drdean/DeanFullTextTopics.cfm?ID=54865&src=n2&src= hcnewshdr.

“. . . Some women hover over the toilet; they don’t put their butts down. That hovering could be harmful—first, because the bladder isn’t fully emptied and now, it appears to raise the risk of stroke. No, this study doesn’t look at hovering. It looks at squatting, but it is similar . . . One-third of stroke deaths occurred while people were squatting. In India, it’s traditional for people to squat instead of sit or stand. They’ve found that not only do one third of strokes occur while squatting, the risks go way up if the people are squatting and doing their business.”

Dainese, R., J. Serra, F. Azpiroz, and J-R Malagelada. Influence of body posture on intestinal transit of gas. Gut, Jul 2003, 52(7):971-974. Author email: [email protected]

Abstract: Background: Patients describe that body posture may affect their abdominal bloating, distension, and flatulence, but whether changes in position have objectively demonstrable effects, either beneficial or deleterious, has not been investigated. Aim: To determine the effect of body posture, upright versus supine, on intestinal transit of gas loads. Subjects: Eight healthy subjects without gastrointestinal symptoms. Methods: In each subject a gas mixture was continuously infused into the jejunum (12 ml/min) for three hours, and gas evacuation, clearance of a non-absorbable gaseous marker, perception, and abdominal girth were measured. Paired studies were randomly performed in each subject on separate days in the upright and supine positions. Results: In the upright position, intestinal gas retention was much smaller than when supine (13 (52) ml v 146 (75) ml retention at 60 minutes, respectively; p<0.05), and clearance of the gas marker was expedited (72 [10]% clearance v 49 [16]% at 60 minutes, respectively; p<0.05). The gas challenge test was well tolerated both in the upright and supine

13 positions without abdominal distension. Conclusion: Body posture has a significant influence on intestinal gas propulsion: transit is faster in the upright position than when supine.

Reaney, Patricia. Green medicine: Why veggie diet may reduce heart disease, cancer. Reuters, 27 Jun 2001. Article available online: http://more.abcnews.go.com/sections/living/dailynews/vegetables_aspirin010627.html.

“Vegetarians may have a lower risk of heart disease and bowel cancer than meat and fish eaters because of an acid found in fruit and vegetables, Scottish scientists said today.

“Like people taking low-dose aspirin to prevent heart attacks, vegetarians have lots of salicylic acid, aspirin’s main anti-inflammatory component, in their blood. Dr. John Paterson, a chemical pathologist at the Dumfries and Galloway Royal Infirmary in Scotland believes salicylic acid could protect vegetarians from heart disease and cancer just as it protects people taking aspirin . . .”

Ongoing Research

Fayez K. Ghishan University of Arizona, Department of Pediatrics, Health Sciences Center, Tucson Tel.: 520-626-5170 Email: [email protected] The purpose of this study is to investigate novel methods from CAM aimed at alleviating chronic pain related to functional bowel disorders in children. To that end, two CAM modalities will be investigated independently of each other, namely Guided Imagery and the use of Chamomile teas as a form of botanical therapy.

Further details: Functional abdominal pain is defined as pain unrelated to an identifiable organic gastrointestinal disorder. The two subcategories of functional bowel disorders examined by this study will be RAP and IBS. The definition of RAP in children will follow Apley’s classic definition of paroxysmal abdominal pain occurring in children between the ages of 4 and 16 years that persists for more than three months, with a frequency of three or more episodes of abdominal pain over a three month interval. A similar pattern of abdominal pain relieved by defecation and/or associated with altered bowel habits and/or stool consistency will be defined as IBS. Despite the above definitions, note that the typical frequency of pain episodes associated with functional bowel disorders is at least three times per month.

Functional bowl disorders are defined as variable combinations of gastrointestinal symptoms that are not readily explained by structural or biochemical abnormalities. In children, these typically encompass irritable bowel syndrome and recurrent abdominal pain of childhood, two closely related disorders that reflect similar pathophysiologic processes. Both of these functional disorders are pervasive in children and possibly precede symptoms that persist into adulthood. These also account for considerable

14 medical expense and morbidity resulting in school absenteeism. Existing therapies are limited, and the lack of success frequently frustrates parents, families, and physicians. The purpose of this pilot project is to explore the use of alternative medicine modalities to treat functional abdominal pain relying on those that address currently accepted pathophysiologic models of functional bowel disorders. Available evidence indicates 3 major mechanisms for these syndromes: altered intestinal motility, altered intestinal sensory thresholds, and psychosocial factors. Recurrent abdominal pain occurs in 10 to 30 percent of children and adolescents, and evidence suggests that many children with recurrent abdominal pain ultimately develop symptoms compatible with irritable bowel syndrome in adulthood. As many as 68% of school children suffering from recurrent abdominal pain have symptoms compatible with the diagnostic criteria for irritable bowel syndrome in adults. Colonic motility studies suggest exaggerated colonic motor function in patients with abdominal pain compared to controls, increased perception of abdominal pain following balloon distention of the rectum, and anxiety and depression compared to healthy children in the community. The approach to therapy including reassurance, fiber, and antispasmodics has not been effective in the long-term management of a recurrent abdominal pain in childhood.

Accordingly, this pilot project will attempt to evaluate objectively two alternative modalities that address some of the mechanisms and could offer therapeutic options. In specific aim 1, a randomized controlled trial will be instituted to confirm the effectiveness of relaxation/guided imagery as a modality for treating functional bowel disorders in children and determine if guided imagery improves outcome beyond that achievable using relaxation training alone. In the second trial, the use of chamomile tea as an adjunct to traditional modes of treating functional bowel disorders in children will be assessed and compared to controls who do not receive chamomile tea. The primary outcome will be a reduction in pain measured by a Likert-scale pain inventory using faces as markers. The advantages of this inventory are that faces have been found to be universal across ethnicities and age groups. Secondary outcomes will include bowel habits and stool consistency, measures of functional disability using the Functional Disability Index, and psychiatric profiles using the Child Depression Inventory, Revised Children’s Manifest Anxiety Scale, and Children’s Global Assessment Scale. In addition, compliance measures will be assessed by phone contact by nurse clinicians. Data management will be undertaken to quantify the analyses already described.

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