Role of yoga in multiple sclerosis

(November 10, 2010)

Does yoga have a influence on people with multiple sclerosis?

Multiple sclerosis is disease in which the immune system of the body, which generally acts as a defense mechanism, attacks and destroys the tissue of fat that surrounds the nerves of the spinal cord and the brain. For individuals with multiple sclerosis, yoga can be effective as physical activity is essential for the patients. For patients with multiple sclerosis, yoga asanas (postures), pranayama (breathing exercises), and meditation can help increase awareness of the body and release the tension of the muscles. For multiple sclerosis, yoga postures like Tadasana (Mountain Pose), Trikonasana (Triangle Pose), Virabhadrasana I (Warrior Pose I), and Virabhadrasana II (Warrior Pose II) are effective. Yoga is beneficial as it addresses directly the three kinds of symptoms that are numbness and coordination loss in the limbs, loss of balance and flexibility, and heat tolerance and fatigue. For people with multiple sclerosis, Pilates can also be effective as the smooth flowing exercises do not tire the patient or make the patient feel hot; they also help in strengthening the body.
Muscular dystrophy is a condition in which the patients’ muscles get degenerated and weakened progressively. There are various kinds of muscular dystrophy. The most common ones include limb-girdle, Becker, myotonic, facioscapulohumeral, and duchenne. For patients suffering from muscular dystrophy, yoga can be very useful as the muscle weakness can cause exhaustion and weakness. Performing regular exercise will be very difficult and can drain you even more and cause pain. Hence, with the gentle movements in yoga that do not require as much any energy, you will also gain increased energy levels. Cerebral palsy is a condition that occurs due to an injury to the brains motor areas. This affects the tone of muscles, posture and coordination. For patients with cerebral palsy, yoga can help reduce the high muscle tone that is a common characteristic of the condition. Holding the yoga postures helps relax and stretch the tendons and muscles, thereby releasing the tightness and stress around the joints and through the muscles. Fibromyalgia is a disorder that causes headaches, insomnia, fatigue and pain. For individuals suffering from fibromyalgia, yoga postures and breathing exercises can bring relief from the symptoms.
The practice of yoga does not require any special gear and can be performed any time of the day, but preferably early in the morning. Practice of the yoga postures will increase strength and energy. Some of the postures can even be done on a bed or a chair. Practicing the yoga breathing exercises help to combat lethargy and fatigue and also reduces anxiety. As disruptions in sleep and fatigue are common symptoms, practicing mediation daily will be helpful as it provides rest that cannot be got with sleep. However, it is essential that you consult a doctor before you begin practicing any of the yoga postures and breathing exercises.

Submitted by A on November 10, 2010 at 05:40

Managing Multiple sclerosis with yoga
Multiple sclerosis can be described as an inflammatory disease that affects the central nervous system, which consists of the spinal cord and the brain. This disease is also known as the “white matter” tissue disease, where the white matter consists of those nerve fibers that are responsible for the transmission of the communication signals, within the central nervous system as well as between the central nervous system and the nerves. The exact cause of multiple sclerosis is still not known; however, it is believed to be caused by a combination of various factors like a defect in the immune system, genetics or a virus. There are several treatment options of multiple sclerosis, which include therapy, medication, alternate medication and lifestyle changes. Managing multiple sclerosis with yoga can also be helpful. Multiple sclerosis yoga poses include Navasana (The Boat Pose), Tadasana (The Mountain Pose), Bhujangasana (The Cobra Pose) and many more.

Managing cerebral palsy with yoga
Cerebral Palsy is a mental disorder that occurs when there is an injury in certain areas of the brain. The severity of this disorder can differ from one child to the other and therefore, so do the treatment options. Yoga can be great for children, who suffer from cerebral palsy, as the practice of various asanas (poses) as well as deep relaxation techniques can help with the reduction of muscle tone (characteristic of children who suffer from cerebral palsy). Cerebral palsy yoga mainly includes poses that stretch and realign the spine.

Managing fibromyalgia with yoga
Fibromyalgia can be described as a chronic disorder that causes pain all over the body. Since it affects your muscles, tendons and ligaments all over, it can lead to multiple sore points all over the body as well as fatigue. Generally, this condition is treated with the help of medication, exercise, lifestyle changes and therapy. Some of the most common fibromyalgia yoga poses are Tadasana (The Mountain Pose) and Simhasana (The Lion Pose), in addition to relaxation exercises.

Managing muscular dystrophy with yoga
Muscular dystrophy refers to a group of genetic disorders that cause the muscles to weaken over a period of time. Therefore, a person affected with muscle dystrophy will probably lose the ability to perform day to day activities like sitting up, walking and so on. Although there is no cure for muscle dystrophy, physical therapy, orthopedic appliances, exercise and correct surgery may help in maintaining muscle function for a longer period of time. Using yoga techniques, like the Pranayama can be useful in restoring certain body functions. Muscle dystrophy yoga can also be effective in addressing the emotional and mental damage that is caused by the disease.

Managing myasthenia gravis with yoga
This condition refers to the weakening of the muscles that are under your voluntary control. It is caused by the breakdown in communication, between the muscles and the nerves. Although there is no cure for this condition, undergoing treatment can help relieve the symptoms. Although Yoga cannot be used to cure the condition, certain myasthenia gravis yoga poses like the Shavasana (The Corpse Pose) help reduce stress and weakness.

However, before practicing multiple sclerosis yoga poses, or even general yoga poses, it is best to consult a doctor, especially if you are suffering from any medical condition.

Submitted by A on September 12, 2010 at 12:06

Yes, Yoga can help alleviate symptoms of multiple sclerosis but only if practised dedicatedly and on a regular basis. For details, please read http://www.yogawiz.com/health-issues-and-yoga/
yoga-for-multiple-sclerosis.html

Submitted by A on April 10, 2007 at 05:22