I have fibromyalgia, chronic tendonitis, and I'm under a lot of stress-which doesn't help my other problems. How can yoga help me?

Answered by Michael Lee, MA, founder of Phoenix Rising Yoga Therapy.

Let’s look at the stress to begin with. This often contributes to conditions like those you mentioned, and prolonged stress most certainly slows the body’s natural healing process. Gentle yoga and meditation can help you to slow down and find the underlying source of your stress.  I suggest you mediate for at least a half hour each day. Just find yourself a comfortable place where you won’t be disturbed. 

Sit comfortably – in a chair if you wish – and feel the full length of your spine but without any effort. Breathe easily and deeply, watching your breath come and go.  Then begin to watch your thoughts from a distance without the need for any judgment or commentary.  Simply watch and breathe.  Notice any agitation, urges, pains, desires, feelings, or anything else that might be happening to you moment to moment.  Just notice each without thinking you have to do anything or change anything.  Just observe.

Also try some gentle yoga, using it as a way of simply tuning in to your body to notice all the subtle sensations and feelings.  Again, don’t try to change anything or make anything happen.  Both of these practices are in essence practices of attunement and acceptance.  Gradually (or maybe sooner), the will help you gain greater clarity and peace of mind.  From this you will find yourself beginning to make changes in your life that are in harmony with your spirit and the person you really are.  This will help healing to occur on many levels, including the physical. You should also be open to possible lifestyle changes that will better support your well-being.    

-Question from Jette


Michael Lee, MA is the founder of Phoenix Rising Yoga Therapy, and the author of several books including “Turn Stress Into Bliss” (Fairwinds Press).  For more information on Michael and his work visit the Phoenix Rising website .

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