Mind and body
There is clear scientific evidence that stress triggers or aggravates psoriasis in some people. Practices that promote relaxation and stress reduction can help people with psoriasis manage their disease. These techniques, however, seem to work best when used to
supplement, not replace, medical treatments.
Massage
The benefits of massage are gaining increased acceptance by the medical community. Massage
professionals as well as health care providers in hospital settings and doctors' offices use it to relieve muscle tension, reduce stress and induce relaxation. Massage therapy is also shown to relieve and manage chronic and acute pain. Individuals with psoriatic arthritis may find that massage helps relieve joint pain.
Different types include Swedish massage, deep tissue massage, reflexology, shiatsu and acupressure. Discuss with your massage therapist which type will work best for you. Psoriasis Foundation members suggest that when making an appointment, it is a good idea to tell the receptionist that you have psoriasis.
Meditation
Meditation is the practice of focusing continuously on one thought, phrase or prayer for a period of time. Meditation improves the immune system and reduces heart rate, blood pressure, respiratory rate, oxygen consumption, blood flow to skeletal muscles, perspiration and muscle tension.
One study, conducted by Jon Kabat-Zinn, Ph.D., former professor of medicine at the University of Massachusetts, examined the use of meditation-based relaxation tapes in psoriasis patients undergoing ultraviolet light (UV) treatments. Patients who listened to the tapes during treatments cleared fasterr—in some cases, twice as fast—than patients who had the light treatment alone. Mindfulness Meditation Practice Tapes, the tapes used in this study, are available by visiting www.mindfulnesstapes.com
The link above takes you off the Psoriasis Foundation Web site. The Psoriasis Foundation does not endorse or accept any responsibility for the content of external Web sites. Click here for complete terms of use.
Lynn W. Brallier, Ph.D., M.S.N., R.N., director of the Stress and Health Management Center in Washington, D.C., also produces tapes and CDs designed to reduce stress through guided imagery. Her tape, Nurturing Your Immune System, addresses immune functioning and stress. Selections can be ordered by calling 888.553.4010.
Yoga
Yoga involves controlled breathing, stretching and strengthening exercises, and meditation. Yoga is thought to promote physical, mental and spiritual well-being. People of all ages and physical conditions can practice yoga. As a complementary medical treatment, it is a well-recognized method of relaxation. There are many different types of yoga, but all are based on the fundamental idea of uniting mind and body. Proponents of yoga believe that when the body is controlled through yoga's careful positions, muscles relax and circulation improves—thus releasing tension and stress.
Some people with psoriatic arthritis anecdotally report that yoga can help ease pain and improve range of motion.
Yoga involves controlled breathing, stretching and strengthening exercises, and meditation. Yoga is thought to promote physical, mental and spiritual well-being. People of all ages and physical conditions can practice yoga. As a complementary medical treatment, it is a well-recognized method of relaxation.
Other mind and body therapies
Other mind and body therapies include aromatherapy, visualization and guided imagery, progressive relaxation, tai chi, prayer/spiritual practices, reflexology, electromagnetic therapies and art therapy. Little data exists to measure the effectiveness of these therapies in treating psoriasis.
Updated November 2006
|
