MULTIPLE SCLEROSIS
Multiple Sclerosis is thought to be an autoimmune disease that affects the central nervous system. Symptoms can include numbness and/or tingling in the extremities, weakness, lack of coordination and/or balance, gait difficulties, slurring of speech, blurred or double vision, bowel and bladder dysfunction, vertigo, and heat intolerance.
Yoga in general is known to provide numerous health benefits for people with (or without) MS. Yoga improves muscle tone and cardiovascular heart health, and, of special interest to people with MS, increases the production of proteins in the brain ("growth factors") that stimulate nerve growth.
Fatigue and heat intolerance appear to be the most limiting factors to MS students. To counter these limitations, students learn to master the breath and practice restorative postures. Both techniques cool the body and calm the nervous system. The simple breathing technique of lengthening the exhalation a little longer than the inhalation helps quiet the nervous system. It’s been observed that heat, stress, and tension can cause temporary worsening of MS symptoms, so the pace of the practice should be kept relaxed.
Yoga in general is known to provide numerous health benefits for people with (or without) MS. Yoga improves muscle tone and cardiovascular heart health, and, of special interest to people with MS, increases the production of proteins in the brain ("growth factors") that stimulate nerve growth.
Fatigue and heat intolerance appear to be the most limiting factors to MS students. To counter these limitations, students learn to master the breath and practice restorative postures. Both techniques cool the body and calm the nervous system. The simple breathing technique of lengthening the exhalation a little longer than the inhalation helps quiet the nervous system. It’s been observed that heat, stress, and tension can cause temporary worsening of MS symptoms, so the pace of the practice should be kept relaxed.