Yoga For Heart Stroke

By Patricia | November 5, 2008
Yoga After A Heart Stroke

A stroke occurs when the blood supply to the brain is interrupted due to a clot or the hemorrhaging of a blood vessel. This disruption in the flow of blood causes damage to the brain cells. The severity of a stroke depends on a number of factors including the location and extent of the stroke, the promptness of treatment, the general health of the patient, etc. The debilitating effects of stroke can range from partial or complete paralysis, pain and attention deficit, loss of memory, impaired linguistic capability, and emotional disorders.

Yoga Therapy Required For Curing Heart Stroke

Stroke survivors usually require a comprehensive rehabilitation program. This program can include physical, behavioral, and emotional therapy, depending on the needs of the patient. Yoga has been found to be extremely beneficial in the rehabilitation of stroke survivors. There are many Yoga programs that are specially adapted to suit the needs of these survivors. The best way to ensure that you derive the maximum benefits from Yoga is to undertake therapy sessions conducted by a qualified Yoga instructor who specializes in dealing with stroke survivors.

Two of the most common after effects of stroke are difficulty in balancing the body, and weakness in one arm of leg. Yoga exercises for stroke survivors are designed so as to be performed at a gentle pace, which gives the patient ample time to build up muscle and complete movement in the affected part.

Standing poses such as the Virabhadra Asana (Warrior pose), Utthita Parsvakona Asana (Extended Side Angle Pose), Utthita Trikona Asana (Extended Triangle), and forward bends such as the Ardha Adho Mukha Svanasana (Half Downward-Facing Dog Pose) are especially beneficial. These poses may need to be modified with the help of props such as chairs to cater to the special needs of stroke survivors. Poses where the head drops below the waist should be avoided.

Yoga also uses many breathing and meditation techniques that not only help to alleviate the physical discomfort of stroke survivors but also provide mental relief. Pranayama, an integral part of Yoga, teaches a series of breathing exercises that ensure that adequate oxygen is supplied to all the parts of the body. Kapal Bharti, a fast-paced breathing technique that is a part of Pranayama, promotes a decrease in blood urea and is also beneficial. Stroke survivors invariably also have a lot of mental issues including uncertainty, fear, anxiety, and grief. The breathing and meditation techniques taught in Pranayama help to calm the mind and take away these negative emotions.

In order to obtain maximum benefit from your Yoga session, you should seek the advice of a qualified Yoga instructor, especially one who is trained to work with stroke survivors.

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