Yoga helpful for endometriosis?

How many people with endometriosis use Yoga to relieve their symptoms?

59,90% of people with endometriosis have already tried Yoga to relieve endometriosis in our survey.

21,17% of them find that Yoga very helpful.
The following table shows the endometriosis remedy Yoga among people with endometriosis. The scale ranges from 1 (not helpful at all) to 5 (very helpful).

Does Yoga help with endometriosis?

Yoga
(n = 1044)
21,17%
25,96%
26,82%
16,19%
9,87%

Tabular summary for Yoga

Rating Percent Count
not helpful at all 9,87% 103
hardly helpful 16,19% 169
slightly helpful 26,82% 280
helpful 25,96% 271
very helpful 21,17% 221

Yoga bei Endometriose

Yoga brings together several elements that can help relieve endometriosis-related symptoms and is therefore practiced regularly by some people affected. A general improvement in quality of life and even a reduction in pelvic pain have been demonstrated scientifically. This discipline, which originated in India, is therefore not just a trendy workout. Among other aspects, three stand out in particular, as they likely play the most important role in modern styles.

First, there is breathing (Pranayama). It occupies a very special place in yoga. All exercises and movement sequences are performed in sync with your breath. This naturally induces relaxation and the autonomic nervous system settles – even during more demanding strengthening exercises. Specific breathing techniques such as alternate nostril breathing or Ujjayi breathing are particularly relaxing and are therefore well suited to reducing pain. The second component is the so-called asanas. These recurring exercises or movement sequences can help you strengthen, relax, or increase flexibility in specific areas of your body. Back pain, headaches, digestive problems – you will find numerous yoga practices for almost every symptom pattern. Meditation forms the third main part of the yoga tradition. It is usually practiced at the beginning and/or end of a yoga session and can have a profoundly relaxing and stress-relieving effect.

If the philosophy behind yoga does not resonate with you, do not let that put you off altogether. In many classes, other aspects such as fitness and mobility are the focus. Your fitness level also plays only a minor role, as there are classes for beginners and for more advanced practitioners. An added benefit for everyone: the good feeling of having taken time and done something just for yourself.

If you would like to try whether yoga is for you and whether it can help with your symptoms, it is worth taking a look online. Here or in the EndoApp you will find numerous free options. The comfort and privacy of your own home are particularly helpful at the start, as you can experiment without self-consciousness. If you enjoy it, you can of course visit a yoga studio near you. Many gyms also offer yoga classes.

Further sources:

  • Vasconcelos Gonçalves, A. et al. 2017. „The Practice of Hatha Yoga for the Treatment of Pain Associated with Endometriosis.“ The Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine 23(1).
  • Vasconcelos Gonçalves, A. et al. 2016. „A Qualitative Study on the Practice of Yoga for Women with Pain-Associated Endometriosis.“ The Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine 22(12).

Did you know that you can also have a big influence on endometriosis symptoms yourself? In the Endo App you learn self-management techniques for endometriosis and find many interactive exercises to relieve symptoms.