for Veterans and the Public

Yoga is a set of exercises that people use to improve their fitness, reduce stress, and increase flexibility.

Yoga can involve breathing exercises, certain stretches and positions, and meditation. (See the Meditation section for more information on what this is.) Many people, including people with hepatitis C, use yoga to reduce stress and to become more relaxed and calm. Some people think that yoga helps make them healthier in general, because it can make a person's body stronger.

Some kinds of yoga are gentle enough for people with hepatitis C and other illnesses. If you would like to try yoga, talk to your VA health care provider. Also, if you do try it, be sure to tell your yoga teacher that you have a liver disease. While most yoga is safe, some exercises may be dangerous if your liver is swollen.

Before you begin any kind of exercise program, always talk with your doctor.