This is an excellent book for chronic cystitis sufferers. They love it because it helps with pain and stress. Their doctors love its well-researched background. And, their yoga teachers love its simple, clearly laid out exercises.
"Anyone chronic cystitis should have this book. The section "Yoga for a Bad Day" has been particularly helpful for me, as repeated attacks of cystitis leave me too exhausted for other types of exercise." – R. L., Student
"As one of the first women board certified in Urology, I have, for some time observed that many chronic problems attributed to the bladder (or other pelvic organs) are actually caused or exacerbated by muscle contraction in response to pain. This condition lies beneath the radar of standard medical explanation. Here, at last, is book identifying this problem and offering practical ways for people to help themselves." – Dr. Muriel R. Friedman, MD
"This book is highly recommended to people working on healing themselves. It should be required reading for students and teachers of yoga therapy." – Dr. Alakananda Devi, M.B., B.S. (London), Alandi School of Ayurveda.
"An excellent blend of eastern yoga and Western Medicine to the benefit of both." – Shar Lee, Senior Yoga Teacher.
Dr. Emmey Ripoll, MD
Dr. Emmey Ripoll, MD is board certified in Urology and Holistic Medicine. She has been practicing Medical Acupuncture for eight years and is certified in Structural Yoga. She also works with osteopathic manipulation and rehabilitation and has authored over twenty-five scientific publications.
She practices Urology with the Fergus Falls Medical Group in Fergus Falls, MN.
Dawn R. Mahowald
Dawn R. Mahowald, CYI, certified in Structural Yoga has been working with yoga for over forty years. She has co-authored two books and also incorporates Ayurveda into her practice.
Dawn currently practices and teaches privately in Boulder, Colorado.
In addition, Dawn and Emmey have produced four yoga videos for people with interstitial cystitis, diabetes, and simple stress incontinence.
...My topic this week is "Taking Charge" and becoming an equal partner in the treatment of cystitis and its symptoms. But how can you "Take Charge"? And why would you want to?
Let’s try the "why" portion first. When we have a chronic illness we often feel powerless. The effects of the illness and its symptoms often dictate what we can and cannot do on any given day or even minute. The illness seems to have the power to control what we eat, how we sleep, if we can work or not, and whether or not we can enjoy the company of our family and friends. It can even control our going to the bathroom, a body function most of us mastered when we were two years old. Sometimes we feel we are at the mercy of something we have absolutely no control over and can do nothing about.
The other thing we often feel is "alone." We may not know anyone else who has the same illness. Our friends, family, and employers do not understand and may not realize what we are going through.
These feelings of powerlessness and aloneness can be very demoralizing and even depressing. They can cause the world to look very bleak. However, most counselors and psychologists tell us that taking charge of our lives, or even a small portion of them, can be a very uplifting and positive experience. It can dispel some of the clouds and also can have a profound effect on the depression sometimes brought on by chronic illness.
So, if "Taking Charge" of an illness can make us feel better, how can we do it? The first thing we can do is ...