http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/27552065

Endometriosis is a common condition estimated to affect around 2 million women in the UK. In this condition, the tissue that behaves like the lining of the womb (the endometrium) is found outside pf the womb. These pieces of tissue can be found in many different areas of the body, including the ovaries and fallopian tubes, the lining of the inside of the abdomen, and the bowel or bladder. Pain is a common symptom for sufferers.

In this qualitative study, which was conducted simultaneously with a randomized clinical trial, women engaged in a twice-a-week yoga program and then participated in a single, semi-structured interview about their levels and experience of pain. Pleasingly, all of the women reported that yoga was beneficial to control pelvic pain. They related that they were aware of the integration of body and psyche during yoga practice and that this helped in the management of pain. Women said they had identified a relationship between pain management and breathing techniques (pranayama) learned in yoga and that breathing increased their ability to be introspective, which relieved pain. The participants have developed greater self-knowledge, autonomy, and self-care and have reduced the use of pain and psychiatric medications. They created ties among themselves, suggesting that the yoga group also engendered psychosocial support.