Goat Yoga helps with Fibromyalgia:

Goat Yoga has proven to be a helpful tool for people who suffer from fibromyalgia. Some of the poses

bring relief to people who have pain and discomfort from fibromyalgia. But, when you add goats
to your yoga practice, you add an entire new level of fun because of the laughter and joy the
gentle animals bring.
Fibromyalgia is a disorder that is similar to arthritis, but it does not damage joints. Women
between the ages of 40 and 75 are the most commonly diagnosed group of people, and they do
find relief from some of the medications. But, many people find that exercise and movement
helps even more.

Studies show that yoga brings relief to people who suffer from fibromyalgia. Not all poses are
helpful, but the gentle stretches ease the musculoskeletal pain that comes with this disorder. It
also helps people sleep better and have a clearer head. Yoga offers the opportunity to move
through stretching and strengthening to relieve muscle stiffness and body aches.

Goat Yoga and Laughter
While there aren’t any scholarly studies to support the benefits of goat yoga are similar to those
of laughter yoga. While people are practicing with goats roaming around the practice space,
practitioners find comfort and relaxation through laughter. Studies show that the simple act of
laughing during yoga brings relaxation and ease.
Best Poses for Fibromyalgia
While practicing with goats, it is best to keep the poses simple. These basic poses bring relief
and are relatively easy to do. As with any yoga pose, if something is uncomfortable, stop doing
it or try to modify for your physical needs. Keep in mind that if you are doing these with goats,
they will climb on you, walk under you, or possibly touch you while you are in the pose. Before
you begin any physical exercise program while suffering from fibromyalgia, you should talk to
your chiropractor or other health care provider.

Standing Forward Bend
In this pose, stand with your feet hips distance apart and the knees gently bent. With a big
inhale, lift your arms, and on the exhale, fold forward bending the knees as much as you need.

Touch the floor with your hands, with the knees bent as deeply as necessary. Then, work to
straighten the knees while you stretch the hamstrings and lower back. Hold for a few breaths.

Bridge Pose
For this pose, you begin laying on your back with your knees bent and your feet flat on the floor
at hips distance apart. Lengthen your arms along the side of the body so your fingertips graze
your heels (this lets you know if your feet are the proper distance away from your rear end).
Then, lift your hips and thighs off of the ground, keeping your shoulders, head, and feet on the
floor. Do not let your rear end sag, and try to get the front of your body in a clean line. Hold for a
few breaths and lower. Repeat a few times. (above photo)
Cobra Pose
Begin this pose laying on your belly with the tops of the toes pressing into the floor and the legs
tight together – like a cobra’s tail. Bend your elbows and place your palms flat on the floor under
your shoulders. Then, lift your head and chest using the pressure from your hands. Enjoy the
belly stretch and adjust your hands to a comfortable spot. Do not lift too high. Hold for a few
breaths and release. Repeat a few times.
Pelvis-Alignment Pose
Do this pose on your back as you end your practice. Lay flat with your legs long. Lift your right
leg straight to the sky with your heel pressing up. Wrap both hands around your thigh. You can
keep the left leg long on the floor or bend the knee for comfort. Keep a lift in the low back, as if
you have an arm under it.
Keep your head on the floor and your rear end on the floor. Press your lifted leg into your hands
and push back with the hands. Keep your lifted leg straight up – don’t pull it toward your face.
Hold for a few breaths, then release and slowly lower. You should notice that the right leg is
longer than the left. Then, repeat on the other leg.
These poses are fun to do with goats, but you can also do them on your own. If you don’t have
goats at home, you could do these around pets or small children to get the same laughter
benefits.

About Dr. Wells
Dr. Brent Wells, D.C. founded Better Health Chiropractic & Physical Rehab and has been a chiropractor for over 20 years. His practice has treated thousands of Juneau patients from different health problems using physical rehab therapy, chiropractic care, and massage therapy designed to help give long-lasting relief. Dr. Wells is also the author of over 700 online health articles that have been featured on sites such as Dr. Axe, Organic Facts, and Thrive Global. 

He is a proud member of the American Chiropractic Association and the American Academy of Spine Physicians. And he continues his education to remain active and updated in all studies related to neurology, physical rehab, biomechanics, spine conditions, brain injury trauma, and more.