World Haemophilia Day is a global event that is observed every year on April 17 as a reminder to create awareness on Haemophilia and other genetic bleeding disorders and the various ways to treat and prevent this rare genetic anomaly. 

It was first launched in 1989 by the World Federation of Hemophilia (WHF) to help healthcare facilities obtain adequate monetary help for all those patients who cannot afford the expensive treatment for haemophilia as well as gather volunteers for the World Federation of Hemophilia.

The theme for World Hemophilia Day 2023 is "Access for All: Prevention of Bleeds as the Global Standard of Care”. This theme makes a call to the local authorities and healthcare policymakers to accentuate the prevention, protection and availability of prompt treatment and care to all the individuals affected by haemophilia.

Also Read: World Hemophilia Day: How Your Diet Can Make A Difference

Haemophilia can be described as a bleeding disorder that primarily ensues when there is excessive bleeding both in and outside the body due to the inability of the blood to clot naturally. A healthy human body contains 13 types of clotting factors, which actively work with the platelets to help the blood clot in case of a cut.

When a healthy individual gets a cut or a scrape, normally the clotting factors present in the blood mix with the platelets to make the blood sticky near the cut, forming a clot and stopping the blood loss. But, in the case of haemophilia, due to the absence of sufficient blood-clotting proteins or clotting factors (lower amounts of either Factor VIII or Factor IX), the blood does not clot naturally and may lead to excessive bleeding.

Also Read: World Haemophilia Day 2021: Causes, Types And Treatment For This Bleeding Disorder

While minor cuts or scrapes may not matter much to anyone, if there is a high deficiency of the clotting factors or you have a habit of getting bruised easily, especially in the knees, ankles and elbows, then trust us when we say, Yoga can be your ultimate help!

How Does Yoga Help In Managing Haemophilia?

Yoga is believed to be one of the most effective cures for Haemophilia as it is an excellent, non-impact exercise with a certain level of relaxation component that helps beat stress. 

Yoga usually works your muscles and increases your flexibility, strength and stability, which in turn helps to ­prevent injuries and bleeding. It also improves your balance and poise and helps to reduce mind and body fatigue by simultaneously exercising your body and relaxing your mind through repetitive breathing and controlled postures.

Well, on this World Haemophilia Day, we bring you 5 such incredible yoga poses that extensively help to improve the strength of the muscles surrounding the joints and diminish the frequency of bleeding episodes in people afflicted with Haemophilia.

Note: Consult your treating doctor and a trained yoga practitioner for performing these yoga poses

5 Best Yogasanas To Manage Haemophilia Naturally

Balasana (Baby Pose)

Keeping your spinal column in a straight line, crouch on your knees. Slowly bend forward such that your chest and tummy touch both thighs. Keep extending your body forward until your head is beyond the knee and touches the floor. Straighten both arms either forward or backward or keep them on either side of your legs with your palms facing down. Hold this position for 20-25 seconds, take a few seconds of break and again repeat 5 times.

Sukhasana (Easy Pose)

Sit peacefully in a normal meditation pose with your back straight. Cross one shin in front of the other while bringing each foot beneath the opposite knee. While breathing in, roll your shoulders up to your ears and while breathing out, roll your shoulders down your back. Next, bring your head and pelvis in a straight line, creating one long line of energy up and down your spinal column. Feel a stretch as you elongate your neck, keeping your chin parallel to the floor and gazing in the forward direction. Keep your hands freely on your knees with palms either up or down or fingers placed in a Hastha mudra position. 

Vajrasana (Thunderbolt Pose)

Kneel with your feet placed side by side to each other and you firmly sit on your heels with a straight back and neck. With palms facing down, place your hands in a relaxed position on your thighs. Now keep your head aligned with your back and look straight ahead. Try to sit in that position for at least 30 seconds or as long as you can while taking long deep breaths. Relax and repeat this pose in a set of 5.

Tadasana ( Mountain Pose)

Stand straight on the ground, with the feet placed about an inch apart and the heels touching each other. While keeping the foot always grounded, keep your hands straight on either side of the body or raise them in a prayer position above your head. Look straight ahead at a point and hold this posture for 60 seconds. Relax and repeat the Mountain Pose 2 more times.

Marjariasana (Cat Pose)

Come on all fours and keep your head straight. While inhaling, arch your back and neck, suck in your tummy and gaze down. Count to 30. Breathe out and straighten your back and raise your head above and look straight. Take a break for 20 seconds and repeat the posture 4 more times.

Shavasana (Corpse Pose)

Lie down on the floor with your back straight and eyes closed. Relax your body and mind and breathe normally while contemplating happy peaceful thoughts. Lie in the corpse pose for 5-10 minutes to mark the end of the yoga session and allow the body to absorb the benefits of the previous yoga postures.  After some time, stand up.