“I want everyone to know that Iyengar Yoga offers
relief from Parkinsons Symptoms. I am 52
and was diagnosed with Parkinson’s
about 4-5 years ago. I do intensive Iyengar yoga
(which is quite physical) and am fit and strong.
I do two, 2 hour classes per week and home
practice. I will be going on a 3 day retreat in a
couple of weeks.”
“I couldn’t live without it. I haven’t had the
need to increase my medication for a couple of
years and rarely visit my neuro. I really
believe that it has slowed down the progression
of the disease. I think the word needs to be
spread!”
Regards
Deborah
How Iyengar Yoga Offers Relief from Parkinsons Symptoms
Iyengar Yoga, a form of Hatha Yoga, is known for its emphasis on precision, alignment, and
the use of props (like blocks, straps, and blankets) to help individuals practice yoga safely and effectively. It can be especially beneficial for people with Parkinson’s disease, offering a range of benefits that can support physical, emotional, and neurological health.
1. Improves Flexibility and Mobility
Parkinson’s disease often leads to stiffness, rigidity, and reduced range of motion. The slow, deliberate movements in Iyengar Yoga can help to stretch and lengthen muscles, improve joint mobility, and reduce rigidity. The use of props helps make poses more accessible and allows individuals to deepen their stretches gradually.
2. Enhances Balance and Coordination
Parkinson’s disease commonly affects balance and coordination, increasing the risk of falls. Iyengar Yoga’s focus on alignment, posture, and stability helps develop better proprioception (the body’s sense of its position in space). Many of the poses help strengthen the legs, improve posture, and enhance balance, which can reduce the risk of falls and improve overall stability.
3. Increases Strength
Many Iyengar Yoga poses involve holding postures for extended periods, which helps to build strength, especially in the core, legs, and arms. Strengthening these areas can improve posture and support the body in daily movements, making it easier to manage some of the physical symptoms of Parkinson’s.
4. Promotes Breathing and Relaxation
Parkinson’s can affect respiratory function, leading to shallow breathing or difficulty with breath control. Iyengar Yoga emphasizes breath awareness (pranayama) as a central part of the practice, which helps regulate the breath and reduce tension in the body. Learning to use the breath effectively can also reduce anxiety and promote relaxation, which is helpful for managing the emotional and psychological challenges of Parkinson’s.
5. Encourages Mental Focus and Mindfulness
Parkinson’s often comes with cognitive challenges, such as difficulty with concentration or executive function. Iyengar Yoga encourages mental clarity and mindfulness through the practice of holding postures and focusing on breath and alignment. This form of yoga can help improve cognitive function and promote a sense of mental calm and clarity.
6. Reduces Stress and Anxiety
The emphasis on mindfulness and breathwork in Iyengar Yoga can help reduce stress, anxiety, and the emotional strain that often accompanies chronic conditions like Parkinson’s. The slower, meditative nature of the practice can foster a sense of calm and mental ease, which can be therapeutic for people with Parkinson’s.
7. Improves Posture and Gait
Parkinson’s disease often leads to a stooped posture and shuffling gait. Iyengar Yoga’s focus on alignment and spinal health can help improve posture, make standing and walking easier, and promote more fluid movement. By practicing specific postures that align and lengthen the spine, individuals can experience improved posture and more confident, efficient movement.
My thanks to Deborah for spreading the good news that
Iyengar Yoga offers relief from Parkinsons symptoms.
Robert Rodgers, Ph.D.
Founder 2004
Parkinsons Recovery
© Parkinsons Recovery
