Yoga Teacher Training Forum

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is referred as a chronic neurological autoimmune disease, occurs when the body attacks itself and targets protective covering Myelin present around nerve fibers. The condition mainly affects brain, spinal cord and central nervous system, leads to damaging and disrupts communication between brain and rest of the body.

Multiple sclerosis disorder can cause muscular weakness, poor vision, mild numbness or severe paralysis. Other commonly found symptoms according to an individual condition may include fatigue, loss of body balance, flexibility and coordination, digestive disorder and inability to think or concentrate.

Various clinical studies and investigations provided evidences related to advantages of practicing ancient techniques of yoga for our physical and mental wellness. These researches also reported that regular practice of yoga techniques is helpful in easing symptoms of multiple sclerosis. As stated in a study published for International Journal of Yoga Therapy year 2013, yoga exercises can be helpful in improving body balance, mobility, strength and quality of life of individuals suffering from MS. In a research conducted at California State University in Sacramento, California for investigating effects of 4 months yoga program on patients dealing with this neurological disorder. In this study 24 patients were assigned for 4 months Ananda yoga program along with 17 weeks home practice. The result concluded after completion of given time period stated significant improvements in participants body strength, balance, coordination and mental wellbeing. The study authors suggested that incorporating regular yoga exercises in life of people having MS problem can offer positive impact on physical and mental functioning of these patients.

According to Loren Fishman, MD, Manhattan Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, assistant clinical professor of Columbia Medical School, co-author of Yoga and Multiple Sclerosis advised to perform correct form of yoga for obtaining numerous long lasting benefits for patients suffering with multiple sclerosis. Simple and classic postures such as downward facing dog, cow pose, warrior ll and reclining hero poses are able to transform a tired, stressed and anxious multiple sclerosis patients energized, strong, focused and calm. It is a restoring and rejuvenating physical activity for MS sufferer. The therapeutic method of yoga is based on techniques that realigns systems of body, clears way to provide more strength, relaxation and body balance with little amount of effort.

Restorative form of yoga specifically focus on practicing gentle and restful poses that are supportive in healing both mind and body efficiently as this style is appropriate for MS sufferer to achieve physical and emotional wellness. Restorative yoga poses with controlled breathing and meditational process offer numerous benefits for multiple sclerosis sufferers to stay active by providing complete relaxation within the body, exterminating stressed and relieving fatigue. These slow and gentle poses increase flexibility by reducing muscular tension, enhance mental clarity, improve body coordination while moving, cool down bodily and calm nervous system.

It is better to practice these exercises after consultation of medical practitioner and under the guidance of expert professional. Multiple sclerosis patients should perform modified poses or asanas with variation liked seated version of poses. The easy and simple poses such as mountain pose or parvatasana, seated forward bend or paschimottanasana and bhujangasana or cobra pose will help in reducing symptoms of multiple sclerosis.