Best Yoga Poses to Treat Multiple Sclerosis

By Himanshu JoshiYogahealth, multiple sclerosis, yoga, yoga pose for Multiple Sclerosis, yoga treatment

Multiple sclerosis – a chronic and progressive disease affecting the central nervous system, can disable the normal functioning and movement of the body. So physical activity plays a crucial role for those affected by MS to keep up with the strength . The ancient art of yoga acts beneficial as its practice aids in bringing about greater flexibility, strength and stamina , and mobility of the body.

As per the Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine, the suggested evidence states the benefits brought by yoga to those suffering from MS. This includes lower levels of fatigue,stress and depression, lesser pain, greater lung capacity, better functioning of bladder , muscle relaxation, added strength and flexibility, and better lifestyle.

Here are some popular yoga poses that can help cope with MS.

 

Cat and cow pose (Marjari Bitilasana)

Gomukhasana (Cow’s Face pose)
Cow Pose (Gomukhasana)

 

These poses can be performed as you balance on your hands and knees or in a seated position in a chair.

Beginning on the hands and knees , the cat pose starts with an exhalation with the curving of the spine upwards and the curling forward of the tailbone whilst the movement of the chin is in the direction of the chest. The cow pose starts with an inhalation with the reversing of the pelvis curve thereby creating an arch scooped in your spine , the position of the belly has to face hanging downwards towards the ground, while the shoulder blades are to be pulled together, keep the tailbone and forehead faced towards the sky. The cat and cow poses while alternating in between, helps loosen the muscles of the torso.

 

Child’s pose (Balasana)

Childs-pose-balasana-hya
Child Pose (Balasana)

 

Child’s pose is designed to help in releasing tension that prevails in areas like the spine, hips and shoulders, and leads to the stretching of the spine, hips, ankles, shoulders, and thighs. The pose has calming effects on the mind.

 

Downward facing dog pose (Adho Mukha Svanasana)

 

Adho-Mukha-Svanasana-Forward-Facing-Dog
Adho-Mukha-Svanasana-Forward-Facing-Dog

Downward facing dog pose helps in both strengthening and stretching the spine, arms and legs, as well as hamstrings and Achilles tendon. It opens up the shoulders, and has an energizing effect on the mind and body.

In this pose, the body appears similar to that of the tip of the arrow. The hips should be reaching towards the sky. the body is supported by the hands and feet while the shoulder blades are brought down your back as you draw them together. The tailbone is to be drawn in the direction of your heels and may be or may not be touching the ground .

 To learn these poses correctly and to avoid injuries while performing asanas, it is advised to enrol for a professional yoga course that offers comprehensive courses such as yoga teacher training that offers rewarding careers in the yogic field while also benefiting the mind body and soul. Rishikesh in India has the best yoga centers offering the authentic teachings of yoga and the best way to master the asanas under the guidance of experienced and skilled teachers.

So make yoga a part of your life and stay hale and hearty.

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