Practicing Yoga With An Ostomy

Practicing yoga can help individuals with an ostomy manage their symptoms, improve their physical and mental health, and increase their overall quality of life. However, it's crucial to find a practice that suits your individual needs and limitations. Here are some tips for practicing yoga with an ostomy:

Listen to your body

Yoga is all about tuning into your body and listening to its needs. This is especially important for those with an ostomy, as the practice may need to be adapted to accommodate any discomfort or pain. Always listen to your body and modify your practice as needed.

Start slow and build gradually

If you're new to yoga or have recently undergone ostomy surgery, it's essential to start slow and build your practice gradually. Begin with gentle poses that don't put too much pressure on the abdomen, such as seated poses, gentle twists, and supported backbends. As you build strength and confidence, you can gradually incorporate more challenging poses.

Avoid poses that put too much pressure on the abdomen

Certain yoga poses, such as deep twists and inversions, may put too much pressure on the abdomen and cause discomfort for those with an ostomy. It's best to avoid these poses or modify them to suit your individual needs. For example, you can practice gentle twists with your legs straight or modify inversions by using props, such as blocks or bolsters.

Use props for support

Yoga props, such as blocks, bolsters, and blankets, can be incredibly helpful for those with an ostomy. They can provide support and help you modify poses to suit your individual needs. For example, you can use a bolster under your knees in Savasana to relieve pressure on the abdomen or use blocks to bring the floor closer to you in seated poses.

Practice pranayama

Pranayama, or breathing exercises, can be incredibly helpful for managing stress and anxiety, which can be common among those with an ostomy. You can practice simple breathing exercises, such as deep belly breathing, to calm the mind and body.

Practice mindfulness

Mindfulness is the practice of being present in the moment and observing your thoughts and feelings without judgment. It can be incredibly helpful for managing stress and anxiety, which can be common among those with an ostomy. You can practice mindfulness during your yoga practice by focusing on your breath or the sensations in your body.

Based on discussions from the MeetAnOstoMate Discussion Forum, here are some tips for practicing yoga with an ostomy:

- Consult with a healthcare professional before starting any physical activity, especially after surgery.
- Use support belts or hernia belts for certain yoga poses, especially if there are concerns about a parastomal hernia.
- Engage in restorative yoga with supported poses and breathing techniques for healing and relaxation.
- Modify and adapt yoga poses to accommodate the body post-surgery.
- Consider private yoga sessions tailored to individuals with ostomies, especially for those in remote areas.
- Use common sense, avoid straining the abdomen, and seek medical advice before starting any exercise routine, especially after surgery.
- Find suitable exercise options, such as yoga, to avoid complications with activities like weightlifting and high-intensity exercises for individuals with ostomies.
- Consider using a hernia belt for added support during yoga practice.
- Start with easy exercises and stay within your own limits, especially considering the risk of hernias with stomas.
- Consider using high-waisted panties, close-fitting vest tops, or Indian cotton harem-style trousers to hide the stoma during yoga.
- Confidence is key, and it's important not to be too self-conscious about what others might see or think.
- Communicate with the yoga instructor about any limitations or concerns, and if the instructor is not sensitive to your needs, it might be the wrong class.
- Be cautious with core muscle exercises to avoid worsening a hernia, and consider modified exercises like wall presses and aerobics to work on legs, stamina, and breathing.
- Consider using a wrap or a pregnancy wrap to hold the ostomy bag more securely during exercise.
- Ensure the bag is empty before engaging in physical activities.
- Start slowly when resuming physical activities after surgery.
- Consider using a hernia belt for support during physical activities.
- Wear comfortable elastic waistline pants to avoid putting too much pressure against the stoma area.
- Consider using support belts like StealthBelt for activities like golfing.
- It's important to be cautious and not overdo any physical activity, especially in the early phases of healing.
- Consider using a two-piece tankini that covers the wafer and fold the bag to make it less visible from the outside for swimming.
- Consider wearing a "swim wrap," a lycra band that covers the pouch for better camouflage and easier access when emptying it for swimming.
- Wait until the stoma is dormant and the bag is empty before taking a dip in the water for swimming.
- Use extra products like Sure Ring Seal and strips of brown tape to ensure the pouch stays secure, especially in hot weather for swimming.
- Consider using a two-piece pouching system for added security during water activities.
- It's possible to take baths with an ostomy, using barrier strips for extra security and ensuring no output during the bath.

If you have more questions, consider posting them in the discussion forum of MeetAnOstoMate.org for further advice and insights.

Check out these links for more information:

• Yoga with an Ileostomy: Tips and Experiences? (January 02, 2022)
• Yoga with a stoma: Safety and hiding options? (August 18, 2017)
• Yoga and Health for Ostomates (May 03, 2016)
• Looking for Yoga/Pilates Class Advice (August 01, 2021)
• Yoga and Ostomy: Can I Lie on My Stoma Safely? (May 17, 2018)
• Advice for Working Out with an Ileostomy - Seeking Guidance and Tips (April 26, 2020)
• Swimming and Hiking with an Ostomy: Need Advice! (April 14, 2013)
• 10 Tips for Newbies: Advice from a Newbie (May 20, 2011)
• Seeking Advice on Short Bowel Management, Odor Control, Exercise, and Diet (July 03, 2016)
• Staying Fit with an Ostomy: Core Exercise Tips? (February 10, 2021)