Hey Ulrika,
I hope this finds you well. Whew.... lots of questions. I'll do my best to answer them for you in some sort of organized way.
1) Yes, I have been dealing with IBS-D symptoms and issues since I was 15. I am now 38 so it's been an interesting journey along the way. As a yoga teacher, I am very aware of the power of our mind, our thoughts and our words and what kind of an effect that they can have on our body. They are all connected . Because of this I am very hesitant to say that "I HAVE IBS"... as I believe that this just reinforces an environment of "illness" in the body.
I will say that I am healing from IBS and with the practice of yoga and with my diet(I am vegan), I am able to control my IBS symptoms most of the time. Of course, I have the occasional flare up and when this happens I know it is a call for me to be extra mindful not only with my food choices, but about getting enough rest, etc.
2) I have produced and hosted two yoga DVD's that you can check out on my website (www.questyoga.com) but these are not specifically geared towards IBS. Like Heather, I have an IBS DVD project that is in very pre-production status but since I have a studio to run and I am writing a book, I have many other things that are at the front of the line up. I agree that it would be awesome for Heather, me or somebody to do one specifically for IBS but I know that it takes A LOT of work. Here in NH, I have been doing do a Yoga Show for the past 5 years on local access TV... again this kind of production takes time, money, volunteers, and know how.
I am not sure how to go about doing something that we could make available online for folks to download for free but given the time, energy and resources needed for this kind of project this would probably have some costs. Right now, my scheduel is tight.... maybe in the future?
3) I am of the school of thought to listen to the wisdom of your own body. I have been practicing yoga for about 15 years and I always still do inversions when I have my period. It doesn't bother me and it actually feels good.But it's important to remember that EVERYONE IS DIFFERENT. What feels good for me might not work for you. Some people say that the natural flow of your menses is towards the ground and away from the uterus hence you shouldn't invert the pelvis and raise it up high.... again, I feel that it's a personal choice. Try it each month and see how it feels, one month it might feel good on a heavier flow month maybe not so great.
4) To practice or not to practice is a personal choice. What feels good for one person may not feel OK for another. For me, it always helps me feel better to practice yoga when I am having an attack. Yoga is more than just physical postures (asana). Yoga is ultimately a philosophy, a way of life, a way back to health. Yes, the postures are helpful, but so is using the breath (pranayama) and meditating. If you are having an IBS-D flareup then there might be some postures that upset YOUR tummy like deep twists... while for ME they might be soothing. Do you see the pattern here? With a consistent practice, over time you will be able to determine for yourself what works and what doesn't.
5) When you say "sick" could you be more specific? I am not sure why you would feel sick when doing yoga in the afternoon or evening. It could be something that your eating
or drinking.... maybe you are dehydrated....maybe your body just prefers morning practice...there are lots of maybes here. My advice would be to just pay attention... notice what you might be doing or doing differently that could effect those feelings of being "sick". I know that I prefer to practice in the morning... for me there is no better way to start my day and that my practice at night FEELS different. Keep in mind that with enough classes with a certified teacher and by gathering more self knowledge you may be able to practice on your own.. at home...day or night.
6) I have several private clients and I know the benefits that "one-on-one" guidance and support can have, so if you can afford private sessions then I say go for it.
Gee, I hope some of this helps... remember to just keep honoring your body. Listen to what it's telling you. Respect your limits but don't be afraid to challenge yourself and explore. Yoga can change your life.
Be well.
Peace,
K
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"You have to be the change you wish to see in the world." Mahatma Gandhi
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