Hospital Yoga

Hospital Yoga is an exciting program that gives patients breathing and movement techniques derived from yoga.  These techniques can be used in the hospital as patients prepare for and recover from surgery.  Hospital Yoga techniques are also valuable adjuncts for medical patients who are recovering from problems such as heart disease and stroke.

The foundation of Hospital Yoga is the concept of coordinated movement of the arms and legs with the breath.  This coordination gives patients a sense of control of their bodies and creates a moving meditation.   Because these techniques are modified for patients in hospitals, Hospital Yoga can be done while standing, sitting, or in bed.  These simple movements are, in some cases, easier to do than traditional physical therapy.  Patients feel empowered and begin to make gains in their recovery.

In addition to yoga movements and breathing techniques (Medical Pranayama), specific poses are taught. These poses are shown with a variety of modifications.  While they are very simple and safe to perform, there is a therapeutic value to these poses and so they can aid recovery from surgery.

Ideally these techniques are taught before surgery.  Once you feel comfortable with them, you will probably want to do them every day.  On the day of your surgery, you may find it beneficial to perform the yoga techniques and the yoga breathing before your surgery.  This may give you a sense of peace and help you stay calm as you wait for the surgery.  As soon as you wake up after anesthesia, you may begin to perform the Medical Pranayama.

Integrated with Hospital Yoga are techniques from Qigong, an approach used in traditional Chinese medicine.  In Qigong, specific movements are thought to correlate with all of the major organs.  Just as in yoga, patients are given specific movements that aid in the healing process.  The techniques we use help balance the heart, lungs, liver, kidneys, spleen and pancreas.  There are also techniques that are healing to the stomach and intestines.  These therapies are a useful adjunct as they give you specific movements that are gentle, calming and regenerating to the body.  Like the Hospital Yoga techniques, these techniques are modified for patients in hospitals, and can be done standing, sitting or in bed.  The combination of Qigong and yoga gives you an opportunity to incorporate the premier healing techniques of the east into your modern medical care.