Bikram Yoga
Bikram Yoga was developed by Yoga Guru Bikram Choudhury. He created a series of 26 yoga postures to be practiced in a particular sequence to work every area of the body during a yoga session. Students practice the sequence in a heated studio with temperatures at 104 degrees Fahrenheit for optimal performance. He believed that heated rooms would make the body sweat more, thus flushing out toxins and waste products through the skin, while also keeping the body warm and flexible for the postures.
Yoga Poses to Avoid
As with any other style of yoga, the most important poses to avoid for someone with glaucoma, are inversions. According to glaucoma specialist Dr. Rick Wilson, poses with the "head down and body up" should be avoided for extended periods of time. Inversions elevate blood pressure and cause added pressure to build up inside the eyes, thus worsening glaucoma. Three of the 26 postures of Bikram Yoga should be avoided or practiced with caution: dandayamana-bibhaktapada-paschimotthanasana, dandayamana-bibhaktapada-janushirasana and sasangasana.
Beneficial Yoga Poses
Yoga poses that aid in relaxation and lowering blood pressure would be beneficial for glaucoma sufferers. The savasana and ardha-kurmasana are two Bikram postures that relax the body. Postures such as pavanamuktasana, ardha-matsyendrasana, janushirasana and paschimotthanasana can help to lower blood pressure.
Consult with Doctor
Always consult with a doctor before attempting any new exercise program. Ask for a referral to a reputable yoga teacher with experience instructing those with glaucoma. A good teacher will offer alternatives and modifications during a yoga session.
