How regular yoga is helping filaria patients lead better life

LUCKNOW: Yoga has positively impacted the lives of filaria patients in Lucknow by enhancing their mobility and improving their quality of life.
Faculty from the Institute of Applied Dermatology (IAD), which operates the Filaria Network and Patient Support Group on Sunday shared insights on their work under the direction of chief minister Yogi Adityanath and the health department.
An IAD centre established at the Regional Ayurveda Research Institute in Indiranagar, Lucknow, offers various care methods, including yoga and pranayama, which have benefited filaria patients.
Sandeep Kumar, a yoga consultant at IAD, highlighted the case of Ganga Prasad, a 55-year-old resident of Chatha Meel on Sitapur Road, who had to close his grocery shop due to filaria in both limbs. Since incorporating yoga into his treatment regimen, Prasad’s condition has significantly improved.
Similarly, 34-year-old Sudha Devi from Kanpur reported that daily exercises have greatly reduced the swelling in her feet. “Eleven months ago, the community health officer introduced her to yoga and exercise during training. Since then, she has been practicing daily and taking better care of her feet. The most significant benefit is that she can now wear anklets and perform household chores with ease,” he added.
Sandeep Kumar explained that their treatment protocol includes micro-exercises, asanas, pranayama, mudras, and shavasana.
Coordinator Vibhu Raj Kumar said that the condition of filariasis hampers the lymphatic system, causing lymph accumulation and swelling in the affected organs. Regular yoga and exercise help reduce this swelling and facilitate better lymphatic function. He emphasized the importance of prevention, noting that filariasis, spread by the bite of the Culex mosquito, can take five to 15 years to manifest. With no effective cure available, prevention remains key.