Yoga
Therapy
FOR PARKINSON’S DISEASE AND
MULTIPLE SCLEROSIS
Jean Danford
LONDON AND PHILADELPHIA
Contents
Treatment of Parkinson’s disease
Comparing Parkinson’s disease and multiple sclerosis
Research into the effects of yoga for Parkinson’s disease and multiple sclerosis
2.An Exploration of the Holistic Yoga Approach and How It Can Help
Looking after the whole person
How we might support and balance the koshas
Parkinson’s disease, multiple sclerosis and the chakra system
The case for creative experimental modification of asana
Planning yoga for Parkinson’s disease and multiple sclerosis
Considerations in planning for one-to-one or group work
Strength and stability
Shoulders and upper back
Hips and pelvis
Strengthening and mobilising the lower body
Balancing
Superstretches
Restorative practices
Digestion
Chair work
Flow sequences
Breathing
Relaxation and visualisation
Relaxation and the stress response
Managing pain the yoga way
Orthodox view of pain and its treatment
Pain gate theory
Managing pain the yoga way
Chakra practices
Meditation
Sample lesson plan 1
Sample lesson plan 2
Sample lesson plan 3
5.Class Experiences and Personal Stories
Spring 2015: The group work their hips and knees
Yoga Therapy group: floor work
A restorative session
Personal stories
Preface
At a small conference for people with Parkinson’s in our local area, all of the health professionals were in unison in promoting exercise as a way of maintaining health and quality of life for people with Parkinson’s, and the importance of relaxation and activities to help with stress levels and anxiety. Thus, at my ‘stall’ I had many visitors asking about yoga. They were eager to join a group and to begin to practise. Alas, my county is huge and mine is the only specialised class, miles away from most of the population. However, most were aware that there may be a yoga class nearby that they could join, and asked me whether that would that work for them. I had to hesitate, knowing the wide range of different types of yoga on offer, and questioning in my mind whether their particular yoga class in the village hall would be okay, whether the teacher would have the skills to adapt postures for them and to understand the condition enough to provide what they need.
I found myself saying ‘I would avoid Ashtanga, and Flow classes… Talk to the teacher first. Make sure that your teacher has a good yoga training.’ But what does that mean for the average member of the public, when there are so many training schools out there? Many yoga teachers have only done a limited amount of training with very little taught about modifying postures, or even safe practice.
There are many people out there longing to find out what yoga has to offer, and for whom a suitably adapted practice could bring many benefits.
I hope that this book will help yoga teachers to feel that they can teach people