Yoga poses can help people with MS manage everyday tasks and improve their posture. They can practice asanas on their knees, hands, or seated positions. You can modify many of them to fit individual needs. In addition to helping people with MS manage their symptoms, yoga postures can also improve their immune system which may help with treatment and overall management.
Yoga is a traditional form of exercise and can improve strength, flexibility and mobility. According to the Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine, practicing yoga has been proven to reduce fatigue, reduce stress, improve muscle relaxation, and improve overall quality of life.
Tadasana (Mountain Yoga Pose)
Tadasana is an easy and powerful yoga posture beneficial to people with multiple sclerosis. This pose helps the nervous system balance without aggravating the condition. Start by stepping your left leg out to the side to perform the pose. Bend the knee over the ankle while looking forward. Then, straighten your front leg while centering your back leg. When completing the pose, use awareness to lower your arms and relax.
When practicing Tadasana, pay special attention to the proper alignment of each body part. Make sure you don’t over-extend the neck and over-stretch the shoulder blades. In addition, make sure to maintain the natural curve of the low back and draw your shoulder blades down.
Tadasana strengthens the legs and arms, helps the patient balance their body, and helps with the symptoms of MS. This posture can also help relieve osteoporosis, sciatica, and infertility symptoms. It can also help prevent or cure ankle and knee issues. In addition to strengthening the body, Tadasana can help motivate the patient’s defense mechanism to prevent the progression of MS.
Savasana (Corpse Yoga Pose)
You may want to practice the Yoga asana Savasana if you have multiple sclerosis. This posture is excellent for people with MS because it increases the range of motion and improves digestion. It also relieves some of the symptoms of the disease, including fatigue and depression.
Savasana is a seated pose that improves the entire body’s balance, enhances stamina, and provides an excellent stretch for all muscles. It also helps relieve symptoms such as sciatica, anxiety, and osteoporosis.
The asana is also beneficial for the neck and the nervous system. It helps strengthen the neck and promotes balance by stimulating blood flow in the head and balance centers.
Marjariasana (Cat Cow Yoga Pose)
The Cat-Cow pose is an essential pose for people with multiple sclerosis. It promotes better blood circulation, which may alleviate pain associated with multiple sclerosis. In addition, the pose allows one to notice the curvature of the spine and relax the body. This pose also improves posture and reduces the risk of falls. It also helps with osteoporosis, sciatica, and infertility.
Marjariasana improves the body’s balance and flexibility. It also helps relieve joint pain and improves circulation. This pose also helps reduce stress and anxiety which are common symptoms of Multiple Sclerosis.
Marjariasana improves the cardiovascular system by massaging the abdominal muscles. It also helps eliminate constipation. It also helps relieve the strain from sitting for long periods. This posture is also suitable for reducing headaches and improving circulation and digestion.
Viparita Karani (Legs up The Wall Yoga Pose)
Viparita Karani is a restorative pose that helps for easing fatigue. It requires lying flat on the floor with your legs lifted and commonly performs with props such as bolsters, folded blankets, and pillows. Depending on the severity of your MS, you may prefer to use a pillow under your head or a blanket at the base of your back to help support your body.
This pose helps increase circulation and blood flow throughout the body, which can help alleviate pain caused by multiple sclerosis. It also creates space between vertebrae and encourages relaxation. This yoga posture also helps relieve joint pain from multiple sclerosis. When performing the pose, make sure to maintain the correct alignment.
Utkatasana (Chair Pose)
Utkatasana is one of the best yoga pose for Multiple Sclerosis patients. This pose helps improve blood flow and circulation throughout the body, easing the pain associated with Multiple Sclerosis. It also improves balance and provides a beautiful stretch for all body muscles. It has also alleviated the symptoms of osteoporosis, sciatica, infertility, stress and anxiety.
The Utkatasana is a very simple pose to learn. It’s effortless to do but requires good balance and a stable base. It strengthens the leg muscles and stretches the back, shoulders, and chest. However, it isn’t recommended for people with low blood pressure, insomnia, or headaches. The most important part of this exercise is breathing deeply and quietly.
Adho Mukha Svanasana (Downward Facing Dog Pose)
Adho Mukha Svanasana is a powerful yoga asana for people with Multiple Sclerosis. It increases blood flow to the brain and improves the nervous system, relieving stress and anxiety. It is also beneficial for those who experience vertigo and headaches. In addition, it improves balance and improves digestion and calming the mind.
This pose is excellent for beginners and experienced yoga practitioners alike. The first step in this pose is to move the left leg to the side and bend the knee at a 45-90-degree angle. Place a block or blanket between your feet to provide support. Next, bend your knees to touch your fingertips. Repeat the pose two to three times.
This downward dog asana strengthens the bones and joints by gently working on the shoulders and upper body. It also relieves joint pain and helps prevent osteoporosis. In addition, it works the back muscles, which are essential for walking and standing.
Conclusion
Yoga has many benefits for those with MS. Besides improving physical symptoms, it can also improve emotional well-being and reduce stress. It can also help improve lung capacity, enhance bladder function, improve strength and flexibility and decrease pain. In addition, it can enhance overall immunity.
Many people think of yoga as an exercise that builds muscle. However, it is more than that. Practicing yoga helps the body heal itself. It helps patients cope with emotional issues while reducing stress and anxiety. Practicing yoga regularly also increases both physical and mental strength.
