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Relieve
the Symptoms of Multiple Sclerosis with Chair Yoga
By Mark Franklin
Those coping with multiple sclerosis (MS) have access to more ways of
managing the effects of their disease than ever before.
One “new” way
of relieving the symptoms of MS isn’t new at all; it is a form of keeping
the body fit that is thousands of years old. I’m taking about yoga, as
the title of the article implies.
There have been a number of scientific
studies that have shown yoga to be an effective treatment for MS, and
this benefit has been acknowledged by
numerous well-known organizations, including The National MS Society,
The American Yoga Association and The American Academy of Neurology,
to name just a few. Mainstream health care professionals are now endorsing
the idea that the regular practice of yoga is an effective therapy for
treating the symptoms of MS.
The Multiple Sclerosis Foundation (MSF) obviously
believes in the value of chair yoga. They have extended a grant so that
Liz Franklin’s Yoga In Chairs® classes
can be offered to those with MS at no cost to them. They are also funding
scholarships so that yoga instructors can be trained to teach chair yoga
classes for MS.
Here’s what some of the people taking these special chair
yoga classes sponsored
by the MSF have said about the program.
"I have been taking Liz Franklin’s class for a few months now. I
have noticed more mobility with less pain and I have learned how to truly relax
in order to regroup and pursue daily tasks. Liz takes an active interest in
what is bothering us as a class and offers solutions and poses that might help
us. She is truly a joy. I look forward to this class every week. From my point
of view this class has been a blessing. I also plan on informing my doctor
how much this class has helped me.” - Paula L.
"...Yoga has made a rather significant
difference in my Multiple Sclerosis symptoms. I have noticed that following
a yoga session, normally the next day, my ability to walk is improved.
My balance problem is better and the stiffness in my arms and legs is quite
improved.
I have also noticed some improvement in my mental attitude.” - Bill J.
“I
was concerned about being able to ‘do yoga’, but the way Liz teaches
the exercises she makes it easy to succeed and the benefits are great!
By being
able to breathe more deeply, to having more muscle flexibility and just
knowing that even with MS I am able to succeed with an exercise program
have helped
me mentally and physically. The exercises are easily incorporated into
my daily life. They give me more energy and help me feel better about
myself.” -
Kay H.
"Just over a year ago I could barely walk. My doctor recommended
yoga. However, I found traditional yoga too strenuous and required
too much effort getting
up and down. Yoga in Chairs has provided me with all of the benefits of yoga
without
the physical stress of getting up and down. I now walk with ease. I have
regained muscle strength, increased flexibility and feel so relaxed after
class.” -
Mary H.
“I am really enjoying Yoga in Chairs. I was a little worried at first
that I would not be able to do everything but I have not had any problems.
Liz
has made me feel very comfortable in the class and has also made me feel that
if
I can’t
do everything that is OK. She is a very positive and calm influence.
I do feel more relaxed and less stressed after the class. I have a lot of
muscle
spasticity
in my back and the stretching and moving has helped so much. It’s a great
class!” -
Gaye B.
“I was skeptical at first but with each week I feel more into the program. The
class seems better as we go and I am enjoying it more as time goes on.
Thanks!” -
Lori B.
“I have enjoyed Yoga in Chairs. It makes me feel relaxed. I’ve learned some valuable
exercises from class. Liz has some wonderful handouts. She is a very
knowledgeable instructor and makes it seem so easy. By taking this class I am
more aware
of how I carry my stress and the importance of letting it go." - Marcia
S.
"Your class has been very beneficial for me both physically and mentally.
I am a newly diagnosed MS patient and quite honestly, I was quite unsure
of
what physical limitations that I might face. Yoga has shown me that I can
exercise on a regular
basis and it has helped me with my flexibility and my balance has improved.
While I don't spend an hour a day practicing yoga, I use some of the stretching
techniques
every morning actually before I get out of bed and I have also been
able to use some of your exercises at work as "stress-busters". I have also
found that my lower back doesn't ache nearly as much when I do my faithfully
do
my morning
stretches and exercises." - Kerri R.
"I have also had sleep issues
for quite a few years and while yoga has not eliminated them, it has
certainly helped me on my focus and my ability to relax,
thus helping me with my sleep. It has also helped me to open my mind and heart
to
other ideas
- physically, emotionally and spiritually." - Mary R.
"Having only started this class in the last few months, it has already been
beneficial and helpful in various ways. I am more aware of my posture and
the
means to improve it, plus I am more conscious of ways to relieve stress and to
relax both fully
and/or for moments. I am grateful for this class" - Vicky M.
And from
one of the student’s chiropractors: “The patient started a yoga class,
at which point I noticed a rather significant difference in not only
how she was feeling subjectively, but also her objective findings in regards
to
her muscle
tone and her gait. I feel that the yoga class that she was attending
has been very beneficial in the treatment of her condition and has afforded
her a higher
quality of life.” - Frank F.
Chair yoga alone won’t relieve all of the symptoms of
MS. However, most people who are coping with MS will see a benefit
from practicing
this gentle way of staying fit.
If you are considering trying chair yoga to relieve your MS symptoms ask your
doctor if it would be right for you.
Mark Franklin enjoys telling people about Liz Franklin's
Yoga In Chairs(r) because he knows it is helping people live healthier,
happier, and longer lives. If you want to find out about her special
style of chair yoga, visit http://www.yogainchairs.com .
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