Parkinson's disease is a degenerative neurological condition that affects motor control functioning. Symptoms may start out as a slight tremor or loss of coordination and gradually become worse. While there is no cure for Parkinson's disease, "Yoga Journal" recommends a series of yoga poses designed to bring calm to the mind and support to the body. The yoga poses are designed to help patients regain balance and develop self-awareness of motor control and subtle muscular functioning. Speak to your physician before you begin a yoga program or join a yoga class. Group yoga classes that focus on proper alignment and gentle relaxation -- such as restorative or Iyengar yoga -- are recommended for patients with Parkinson's disease.
Tadasana Mountain Pose
Tadasana can help to restore a sense of balance to Parkinson's sufferers. As motor coordination becomes worse, some individuals may feel anxious standing up straight. Tadasana teaches you how to balance the body structure using postural cues. Start with the feet slightly apart and the weight evenly distributed on all four corners of the feet. Press the tailbone forward and lengthen through the spine. Move the shoulders back and down and align the head directly over the spine. Take deep breaths while in tadanasa as you sweep the arms up above the head. Press the palms together over the head and circle the arms back down to your sides. Repeat, synchronizing your arms with your breath.
Uttanasana Forward Bend
Stiffness in the trunk is a common symptom of Parkinson's disease. A gentle forward bend should help to strengthen the muscles of the back, increasing flexibility and range of motion. Start by standing in tadansana. Hinge at the waist and pitch the upper body forward slowly. Let the arms and head fall towards the floor, relaxing the muscles of the face and neck. If there is enough flexibility in the back, you may be able to touch the floor or your feet. To modify the pose, fold forward and hold on to a chair or place a yoga block at its highest high and hold on to the block for support.
Supta Baddha Konasana Bound Angle Pose
Supta baddha konasana relaxes the body and calms the mind. It is also instrumental in stretching the muscles of the lower body. To practice supta baddha konasana, stack a few blankets on top of one another on the floor or on your bed. You could also use a yoga bolster for support. Recline on the blankets or bolster with the support running lengthwise down your spine. Touch the soles of the feet together and let the knees fall out to either side. To modify this pose place two folded blankets or yoga blocks under your knees to allow the hips to be supported in the pose.
Savasana Corpse Pose
Savasana is the last pose practiced in every yoga class and should be a daily practice for Parkinson's patients. Corpse pose calms the mind and relaxes the body. Individuals suffering from Parkinson's disease may experience disorder-related anxiety. Savasana may help to restore balance to the body. To practice savasana, lie on your back on a yoga mat or your bed. Let the feet turn out slightly and spread the legs apart a few inches. Place the arms by your sides and let the palms of the hands turn upwards. Close your eyes and let the breath come naturally. Feel free to place blankets over your body and use relaxing eye pillows. If you experience back pain, bend the knees and place the feet flat on the floor.
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