Why Choose Yoga Heals Us?
Gentle and Accessible: Designed for all abilities, with modifications for individual needs.
Instructor Expertise: Classes are led by certified professionals trained in therapeutic and adaptive yoga.
Participate at Your Convenience: Virtual Classes Live and Recorded eliminate any concerns about the weather, parking and travel time.
Yoga Heals Us Community: During Live Classes and in our Groups feature you can choose your preferred level of interaction and be part of a positive group of others actively engaged in creating their best life.
Yoga Heals Us for Neurological and Chronic Conditions
Gentle Movement, Profound Benefits
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Yoga is a holistic practice that combines gentle movement, breathing techniques, and mindfulness. It has been shown to support physical, mental, and emotional health, especially helpful for healthy aging, healing and living with neurological and chronic conditions.
Benefits of Yoga Backed by Research
1. Improves Balance and Mobility
Yoga helps enhance strength, coordination, and flexibility, reducing the risk of falls.
Research Insight: Studies show that yoga can improve gait and mobility in individuals with Parkinson's disease and multiple sclerosis.
2. Reduces Pain and Stiffness
Gentle stretching and mindfulness can alleviate chronic pain and improve joint health.
Research Insight: Participants with conditions like arthritis or fibromyalgia report decreased pain and improved daily function after practicing yoga.
3. Enhances Mental Clarity and Mood
Yoga reduces stress and anxiety while improving focus and cognitive function.
Research Insight: Regular yoga practice lowers cortisol levels (stress hormone) and boosts mood by increasing serotonin production.
4. Supports Nervous System Health
Breathing exercises (pranayama) activate the parasympathetic nervous system, promoting relaxation and reducing symptoms like tremors or spasms.
Research Insight: Studies indicate improved neural connectivity and relaxation responses in patients with chronic neurological conditions.
Enhancement of Brain Structure and Function
Study Findings: Yoga practice positively affects brain regions such as the hippocampus, amygdala, prefrontal cortex, and cingulate cortex, which are involved in functions like memory, emotional regulation, and decision-making.
5. Improves Sleep Quality
Mindfulness and relaxation techniques prepare the body for restful sleep.
Research Insight: Meta-Analysis of Effects of Yoga Exercise Intervention on Sleep Quality in Breast Cancer Patients
Summary: This meta-analysis concluded that yoga interventions have a positive effect on improving sleep quality among breast cancer patients, suggesting yoga as a beneficial complementary therapy for sleep disturbances in this group.
6. Enhances Overall Quality of Life
Yoga fosters a sense of community, emotional resilience, and self-compassion.
Research Insight: People managing chronic illnesses experience greater acceptance and adaptability through regular yoga practice.
Research indicates that yoga can enhance the overall quality of life (QoL) for individuals with chronic medical conditions through various mechanisms:
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Physical Health Improvements:
Study Findings: Yoga practice has been associated with beneficial effects for people with functional somatic symptoms and chronic diseases, as well as healthy participants.
Feasibility and Accessibility:
Study Findings: Chair yoga, a form of yoga performed while seated, has been found to be an accessible and effective exercise for individuals with mobility issues, including senior citizens and those with disabilities. It supports physical, social, and emotional well-being, making it a viable option for enhancing QoL in individuals with chronic conditions.
These findings suggest that incorporating yoga into the routine of individuals with chronic medical conditions may lead to significant improvements in their overall quality of life.
The only authentic Yoga is the one that works for each person according to circumstances and needs, and there are many possibilities.
T.K.V. Desikachar​
