Transplant Yoga

Transplant Yoga is a special form of yoga that accommodates the needs of transplant candidates, patients who have recently received transplants, and long-term recipients.   It presents an integrated and incremental approach to building flexibility, strength, and optimal health through joint mobility, breathing, yoga movements and postures, and meditation and visualization.

The fundamentals of Transplant Yoga include teachings of the classic yoga postures and movements with modifications for individuals with medical problems.  Traditionally, when a student came to a yoga teacher, the yoga practice they were given was designed to heal the medical problems or reduce their limitations.  Through this approach, students progressed in their yoga practice.  Our teaching is in line with this tradition.  The yoga postures and sequences that you will be doing are beneficial as they provide a form of movement and exercise, but more fundamentally they are designed to be therapeutic in their nature.

Particular attention is placed upon yoga poses and breathing techniques that influence the organs, particularly the pancreas, kidney, liver, lung and heart.  Classic yoga poses and sequences that influence these areas of the body are demonstrated.  Also included are teachings of the Chinese Medicine meridians that influence each of these organs.  Specific yoga poses are given and breathing techniques are included which allow patients to influence these meridians.  As an example, as a patient prepares for and recovers from a kidney transplant, they can do specific yoga sequences and poses which help balance the kidney meridian.  In balancing the meridian this treatment is similar to the effect that a traditional acupuncture treatment would have.

We also teach a specific set of joint mobility exercises which come from yoga and which can be used to prepare the joints for yoga and movement.  Many patients find that joint mobility work is a key part of the therapy of yoga.  After moving though the basic sequences, we have developed packages that teach some unique techniques that can help build strength for yoga as well as the activities of daily life.  These include kettlebell, Indian club, and club bell training.

Breathing, visualization, and meditation exercises are also important components of Transplant Yoga.  These practices are especially useful is dealing with some of the side effects of immunosuppressive medications.  Through incorporating these practices, patients find that stress and anxiety lessen, and rest and recovery are improved.  Building strength via Transplant Yoga, Kettlebell, and Indian Club Training helps overcome and prevent bone thinning and osteoporosis. All of these practices combine to place a practitioner on a path of mind body wellness that leads to optimal health.

The miracle of organ transplantation is a life changing experience. Transplant Yoga is a valuable adjunct therapy that patients can do to promote mental, emotional, and physical health to help them on their journey to optimal well-being.