MS Yoga Society
What is Multiple Sclerosis (MS)?
Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic nervous system disease that affects the central nervous system. The central nervous system (CNS) is made up of the brain and spinal cord. In the case of MS, the immune system attacks the CNS. These attacks cause damage to myelin, the sheath that surrounds and protects the nerves. Depending on where the damage is in the CNS, a variety of neurological symptoms can show up such as vision problems, walking, and balance problems, pain and spasms, weakness, sexual dysfunction, and bladder issues.
What are yoga and meditation?
Yoga is an ancient physical, mental, and spiritual discipline that originated in India and became common in the west in the 20th century. Yuj is the origin of the word yoga and it means “union, join, and integrity.” Yoga is the art of living. It affects all aspects of life, including physical, emotional and mental well-being. The goal of yoga is consciousness, self-knowledge, inner order, and harmony between body and soul. Meditation is a technique for quieting the mind and living in the present moment, resulting in a happy life with ultimate freedom.
How can yoga help people who have Multiple Sclerosis?
The most common problems associated with MS are pain and stiffness in the muscles, walking and balance difficulties, fatigue, and weakness, and issues with focusing. Yoga is not a cure for MS but by practicing different poses in yoga and by breathing deeply, we can have the extraordinary experience of improved muscle strength, flexibility, posture, balance, focus, circulation, digestion, elimination, and increased energy.