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Yoga for Multiple Sclerosis |
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Yoga for Multiple Sclerosis
The term multiple sclerosis is derived from the multiple areas of sclerosis (scarring) that represent a number of patches in the nervous system
The signs and symptoms of this condition are so diverse that medical practitioners might miss out the diagnosis when first the symptoms show up.
Over time, multiple sclerosis slowly worsens. Patients generally suffer periods of relatively good health alternating with incapacitating periods of aggravation.
Symptoms of multiple sclerosis.
The most common symptoms of multiple sclerosis are:
- Anxiety, worry and fear
- Constipation
- Dry or rough skin
- Fatigue
- Headaches
- Heightened sensitivity
- Insomnia
- Pain
- Poor digestion
- Underweight
These symptoms could either appear in a mild or severe combination
Further, they are often experienced for irregular periods. Sometimes, in multiple sclerosis, even brain fogging occurs. This could include problems in thinking or being unable to focus clearly. Erectile dysfunction is another commonly reported symptom of this condition. Even though Viagra is known to help, the risk of permanent blindness is another apprehension
Diagnosis of multiple sclerosis
Since there is no single blood test or other test that can be used to confirm multiple sclerosis, the diagnosis of this disease is rather challenging. By and large, the process of diagnosis of multiple sclerosis involves a doctor enquiring from a patient about symptoms, performing a physical exam, and a couple laboratory tests.
Yoga for multiple sclerosis
Yoga stresses the need for stretching and breathing. This helps release tension, improves circulation as well as body awareness. Further, Yoga helps reduce fatigue in patients with multiple sclerosis. Yoga practice also helps harmonize the muscular and nervous systems This results in more fluid movement and relief from muscle tension. As the patient’s level of body awareness improves, he / she is able to recognize the first sign of stress on the system before it gets overwhelming.
For a patient suffering from multiple sclerosis, Yoga directly addresses 3 types of symptoms, viz. fatigue and heat intolerance, loss of coordination and numbness in limbs, and loss of flexibility and balance. Fatigue and heat intolerance seem to be the most limiting factors multiple sclerosis patients To offset these constraints, patients have to learn to master their breathing and practise restorative postures such as Tadasana (Mountain Pose), Virabhadrasana I (Warrior Pose I) and Virabhadrasana II (Warrior Pose II), and Trikonasana (Triangle Pose).
Both techniques, together, help cool down the body and calm the nervous system. Simple breathing techniques of extending the exhale a bit longer than the inhale help calm the nervous system. Heat, stress, and tension can cause temporarily aggravate symptoms of multiple sclerosis. Hence, the pace of practice should be relaxed yet focused Keep the body just short of sweating; this is very important.
Further, practising with a multiple sclerosis trained instructor you will learn specific sequences exclusively meant for problems such as constipation, digestion, fatigue, lack of mental clarity, or balance. The problem of balance, for example, could be handled with the help of a proper set of asanas.
In conclusion, besides evolving body awareness, Yoga helps increase flexibility and balance. The asanas boost the patient’s range of motion in joints and enhance muscle tone. In fact, they work most of the body’s muscle groups.
Best of all, Yoga practice can be tailored according to individual needs. For patients in a period of remission whose balance is intact, they can perform most of asanas normally done in an ordinary class setting. For those suffering from relapse, it is important to remain in the groove of practicing by doing modified practices. For instance lying supine on the floor or utilizing chairs and the wall, will help enormously.
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