People with Parkinson's disease often appear stooped and move slowly as the disease progresses. Age is a factor, as is evidenced by a great deal of the older population showing symptoms. Their walk is often a shuffling gait with very short steps. The person has trouble lifting their feet. Arms don't move, or move little, when the person is walking. Range of movement is impaired and their hands shake. This palsy is the most telltale sign of Parkinson's.
Other symptoms that develop can be even more debilitating. Problems with speech, and swallowing, cause an inability to communicate. Fatigue and depression are present in nearly half of Parkinson's cases. Parkinson's disease affects distal muscles first (muscles farthest from the body, like hands and feet). As the disease progresses, proximal, or the muscles closer to the trunk of the body, become affected.
This disease often is attributed to having no cause. Some factors can play a role, such as head trauma, drug use, toxins, or genetic predisposition. While there are several pharmaceuticals on the market, some of them seem to become counter-productive, but there are new and encouraging development trials.
At present, there doesn't seem to be a break-through drug to stop the advancement of Parkinson's disease. However, physical activity and therapy can alleviate some symptoms. The more the body and mind are active, and work together, the more successful treatments are for patients. Yoga works to unify the mind, body, and spirit.
Yoga practice engages the mind and clarifies focus. In the process, the postures, breathing, and movement, stimulate the nervous system and improve health. Pharmaceuticals, in conjunction with Yoga practice, seem to be the best option for students with Parkinson's disease.
Yoga instructors, working with students that have Parkinson's disease, must respect the limitations and goals of these individuals. As with any number of physical and neurological ailments, the effective postures and routines will vary. As a general rule, asana practice might require modifications, props, extra support, or assisting for students with Parkinson's disease.
Balance is something that the unconscious mind controls for most people. A benefit of moving personal balance to the conscious mind is the result of more stability. In the mind of a person with Parkinson's, these unconscious functions have been damaged by the disease. Students with Parkinson's should focus primarily on bringing the functions of the body, to the forefront of the mind, during yoga practice.
The strength-building postures improve range of motion and balance, which is essential to effective yoga therapy. Despite the fact that movement is difficult, people with Parkinson's, are highly encouraged to participate in regular, gentle activities. Yoga is a perfect program because of its low impact nature and unifying, nurturing atmosphere. Students should be challenged in a comfortable way that allows for growth.
Yoga improves the overall sense of well-being, and worth, for the yoga student. Any chronic disease can wear you down emotionally. Many people, with Parkinson's disease, begin to feel helpless, as they lose independence. The highly positive and healing environment of the yoga classroom, adds to the physical benefits, but also encourages emotional balance.
Postures, recommended for people with Parkinson's disease, include the cow pose, cobra pose and camel pose. All poses can be modified to meet any student's needs. Also suggested are the boat, bow, and bridge poses.
The bow pose increases muscle strength in the back, upper legs, hips, and abdominal muscles - improving the center of balance. The camel pose also strengthens the back and increases flexibility of the spine - complementing the bow pose. Each of these poses strengthens the body, or stimulates the nervous system, in a way that will benefit a practitioner with Parkinson's.
Copyright 2008 - Paul Jerard / Aura Publications
That diagnosis of Parkinson's disease can be frightening is certain. It's a serious malady that, if left unchecked, can end in debilitating changes to one's body. Nonetheless, advances in medical treatment in combination with some basic lifestyle changes can significantly lessen the impact of Parkinson's disease.
Your diagnosing physician is always a valuable first resource. He or she can advise someone diagnosed with Parkinson's about treatments and what to expect physiologicaly. Thanks to increased awareness brought about in part by actor Michael J. Fox's disclosure that he lives with Parkinson's and the subsequent creation of his foundation, and also due to new advances in stem cell research and other therapies, a lot of information about Parkinson's disease is now available to the public.
Many countries have national associations with regional headquarters helping people with Parkinson's. Here is a list of six tips that will make living with Parkinson's disease easier.
1.Exercise: Parkinson's disease impacts your mobility, so it is important that people with Parkinson's make certain their bodies are as strong and flexible as possible. Simple activities like stretching, walking, running, and swimming are ideal to build strength. If exercising by yourself doesn't sound much fun, look into group classes, community walking clubs, or water-aerobics sessions. Many communities have low-cost facilities, equipment, space and instruction where necessary. Special classes which take particular conditions into consideration are also commonly available.
2.Diet: nutritional health is essential for strength and vitality no matter what your health situation. Through eating right, Parkinson's patients can steady their energy and better control their weight, which can have a big effect on struggling muscles. Check with a physician to establish whether diet could have an adverse effect on medication. Case in point- high-protein foods may interfere with absorption of medications. Keeping a food journal can be an invaluable tool in pinpointing problems with medication.
3.Wardrobe: Parkinson's reduces motor skills, which can make buttoning of shirts and pants, or doing up a bra difficult. Go for loose (but not flapping) clothing with elastic waists, pull-on shirts and dresses and a minimum of buttons, zippers, hooks and ties, as well as slip-on or Velcro-fastened shoes. This may not be required in the early stages of the disease, but will become important later on.
4.Compensating tactics: strategize about ways to overcome problems associated with Parkinson's disease, like dropping things. For instance, Parkinson's patients find they may often drop their wallets when fumbling for change.
To counteract this problem, buy a large wallet that is easy to grip and doesn't send you digging into deep corners. Using a debit or credit card may be an easier alternative to searching for coins and bills. Another example of a helpful compensating strategy would be to switch from delicate porcelain tableware to more durable shatter-proof or plastic pieces.
5.Take naps: Parkinson's can interfere with restorative sleep, even though many people who have the disease suffer from fatigue. Take a short nap a couple times a day to keep your energy up.
6.Be understanding: medical treatment and lifestyle changes can do a lot to minimize Parkinson's symptoms, but it's likely that people will notice things like tremors or tics at some point. Children, in particular, may ask blunt questions. Try not to be offended, and when possible, use it as a chance to educate about Parkinson's and its effects.
Both Paul M. Jerard Jr. & Carlo Morelli are contributors for EditorialToday. The above articles have been edited for relevancy and timeliness. All write-ups, reviews, tips and guides published by EditorialToday.com and its partners or affiliates are for informational purposes only. They should not be used for any legal or any other type of advice. We do not endorse any author, contributor, writer or article posted by our team.
Paul M. Jerard Jr. has sinced written about articles on various topics from Leadership, Yoga Practice and Anger Control. Paul Jerard, E-RYT 500, is a co-owner and the director of Yoga teacher training at: Aura Wellness Center in, Attleboro, MA. He is an author of many books on the subject of Yoga and has been a certified Master Yoga teacher since 1995.. Paul M. Jerard Jr.'s top article generates over 165000 views. to your Favourites.