What is Cystitis?
Cystitis is an unpleasant inflammation of the bladder lining, most often caused by the presence of microorganisms known as red bacteria. There are very few women who haven’t suffered from cystitis, and it knows no age limits. While it doesn’t affect only women, it is more common in them due to the anatomical structure of their bodies.
This is why bacteria can more easily reach the urinary tract and cause problems. For some, the discomfort may pass within a few days, but for others, it can become a persistent irritation that develops into a chronic condition. Treatment must begin once the root cause is identified and, unfortunately, may take months.
Did you know that Ayurveda and regular Ayurvedic consultations can help you? Ayurveda is an ancient Indian system of natural and holistic medicine that treats illnesses at their roots.
Symptoms of Cystitis
If you notice any of the following symptoms, consult a doctor immediately to begin treatment if needed:
Sudden frequent urination at any time of day or night
Pain and burning during urination
Pain in the pelvis, lower back, and urinary tract area
To determine the type of cystitis, a medical examination is necessary. It’s important to know whether you’re dealing with acute or chronic cystitis. In the first case, the condition arises suddenly and involves inflammation of the bladder, while in the second, it results from untreated inflammation that has led to complications.
Symptoms in both cases are similar, but they tend to be milder with chronic cystitis. Inflammation can also result from other factors such as thermal, chemical, radiation-related, neurogenic, medicinal, hormonal, parasitic, chlamydial, and more. Progressive forms of chronic cystitis include bladder ulcers, leukoplakia, interstitial cystitis, and cystalgia.
It’s no secret that most illnesses are caused by stress, and yoga and breathing techniques can help lead a calmer and healthier life. Learn more in the Breathing and Meditation Course at The Art of Living centers.
Causes of Cystitis
For women, intimate hygiene is especially important due to the proximity of the urinary tract to the anus, which allows easier access for bacteria.
Excessive sexual activity can also create a favorable environment for bacterial growth.
After menopause, the body’s defense mechanisms weaken, reducing local protection in the mucous membranes.
People with digestive disorders tend to have more pathogenic bacteria and are at greater risk of cystitis.
Those who don’t drink enough fluids are also at higher risk.
Diabetics, people with reproductive organ disorders, lupus, tuberculosis, endometriosis, and others may experience cystitis as a secondary issue.
Those with weakened immunity, insomnia, frequent dieting, or high-stress lifestyles are especially vulnerable.
How Yoga Helps Relieve Cystitis
Here are a few simple yoga poses that can help you build stronger resistance to infections:
Child’s Pose (Shishu Asana)
Helps strengthen the immune system.
Bridge Pose (Setu Bandhasana)
Opens the heart and improves circulation, boosting energy and building resistance to pathogens.
Cobra Pose (Bhujangasana)
Opens the chest and helps release white blood cells.
Fish Pose (Matsyasana)
Expands the chest and stimulates the thymus gland.
You can learn these and many other poses in just a few days with a certified yoga instructor during a Breathing Techniques and Meditation Course with The Art of Living. Attend the Secret of Breath seminar to discover how to integrate the full set of breathing techniques and meditation into your daily life.
How Meditation Helps?
Sleep and meditation are both restorative, but only meditation can release you from anxiety and keep stress at bay. With regular meditation, you can clear emotional toxins and feel renewed.
Daily meditation ensures deeper, more restful sleep. If you suffer from insomnia or lead a stressful life, this is the solution. Once you start resting better, your physical health will improve, and you’ll be able to significantly reduce the symptoms of cystitis.
Ayurveda to the Rescue
The ancient Indian science of Ayurveda offers support for many conditions, including cystitis. Experts recommend switching to a vegetarian diet to reduce symptoms.
It’s also crucial to drink at least 3–4 liters of water a day—especially for those suffering from cystitis—to help flush out bacteria more efficiently. Book a personal consultation with an Ayurvedic specialist at The Art of Living centers to get personalized advice tailored to your health needs.