Yoga for Chronic Fatigue Syndrome

Mary MacDonald (name changed for privacy) dragged herself into the yoga studio where I teach, lay flat on her mat, and sighed. Watching from across the room, I knew this wasn’t just a woman who didn’t get a good night’s rest.

I walked over and struck up a conversation. Even talking seemed to tax Mary. She spoke of her struggle with simple daily activities after having the flu two years ago. This followed years of stress as a teacher. She felt sick all the time. It was as if her brain, body, and even emotions had finally shut down.

One day, she crawled into bed and couldn’t get back out.

After several months and many doctor’s appointments, Mary received a diagnosis of chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS). She’d heard of it but didn’t know what it meant. All she knew was that she couldn’t function anymore and couldn’t imagine returning to her stressful job.

Stress and Chronic Fatigue Syndrome

Mary’s story is not unusual for someone with CFS, also known as myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome. ME/CFS is characterized by low energy levels, worsening symptoms after exertion (called post-exertional malaise), and sleep issues not resolved by rest.

Stress is especially problematic for those with ME/CFS. Research indicates that dysfunction of the body’s stress system may even be a cause of the illness, especially in terms of chronic stress and occupational burnout, like Mary experienced.

People with ME/CFS are often advised to avoid stress as much as possible because it worsens the illness. While avoiding all stress is impossible, finding ways to navigate it is essential to manage and recover from ME/CFS.

Yoga Relieves Symptoms of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome

That’s why Mary’s stumbling into the yoga studio was an important step in her recovery. Several studies show that yoga can help relieve fatigue and pain, major symptoms of ME/CFS. One study showed how isometric yoga exercises, using muscle contractions within yoga poses, improved both fatigue and pain in study participants. Other research linked isometric yoga with improved symptoms of depression in those with ME/CFS.

Research also showed practicing hatha yoga significantly reduces stress.

These results are promising and show that yoga is a viable option for those who struggle with this debilitating disorder. A key to remember with beginning yoga is that the yoga teacher needs to be aware of the diagnosis of ME/CFS, and clearance from a medical doctor is needed.

Not all yoga is suitable for ME/CFS. The beauty of yoga is that yoga teachers modify the practice for individual students frequently.

Mary’s Story

At first, Mary could manage only restorative poses that let her recline and rest passively on props such as bolsters, blankets, and yoga blocks. Her practice eventually progressed to sitting on a chair and moving through asanas, the movements and postures of yoga.

The asanas were simple and slow and tailored to her ability and energy level. That meant very short practices at times, sometimes no more than 5 to 20 minutes.

Over a two-month period, Mary started to experience relief of her symptoms. The yoga postures helped her regain muscle strength. She began to feel more confident in herself physically and experienced a better sense of balance.

After several months of practice, Mary had more energy for daily activities. She felt better prepared to take on stress, and her mood improved. Confident in her ability to work through her diagnosis of ME/CFS with yoga as a tool, Mary now walks boldly into the studio with a deep breath, prepared to take on the day.