Parkinson’s disease is a disorder relating to neurological movement. There has not been a cure found for this disease, but many people will be able to have a good quality of life with lifestyle changes and medication. Symptoms can include stiff muscles, problems with coordination and balance, tremors, and even slower movement.
For anyone that is coping with Parkinson’s or caring for someone who is, one of your main aims is to help them to improve their quality of life. Yoga is one of the activities that have been credited with many different types of benefits; this holds especially true for older adults with Parkinson’s. Here’s some information about it.
Mental Benefits of Yoga
Yoga practices generally include meditation and breathing exercises as well. These combined have been shown to be able to cause changes to a person’s brain function and structure and even improve overall cognitive function. Overall, the mindfulness that comes with yoga practice can allow people to develop a greater sense of satisfaction and peace of mind. On top of this, it is able to increase someone’s positional sense which affects their ability to conceive where their body is in relation to the world.
Physical Benefits of Yoga
As a form of exercise, yoga is able to improve cardiovascular function where there is increased blood flow to the brain and the rest of the body. On top of this, there can also be a heightened development of different growth factors that can help with brain function. On top of this, the rhythmic pattern that yoga is centered on can also help to improve a person’s respiratory abilities and lower their blood pressure.
What Yoga Poses Are Good for Parkinson’s?
There are many different types of yoga asanas, also known as poses, and it can be confusing on where to start. We have included a short list of how to get started.
- Mountain Pose: This can help with strengthening your ankles, thighs, and your knees. Overall, it can help to ease sciatic pain and improve your posture and balance.
- Standing Forward Bend: This can help to strengthen the lower body. During the process of bending down, it is important to take time to meditate and focus on releasing the tension in your body.
- Tree Pose: As one of the classic yoga poses, this is able to help improve your balance and alleviate sciatic pain. If you are new to yoga, it can be helpful to have a wall or solid structure nearby for support.
Enjoy Senior Living with The Park Oak Grove
If you or your loved one is struggling with Parkinson’s, it could be helpful to consider a placement at a senior living community. Not only will you have constant access to personalized care for your day-to-day activities, but there are also many different senior-centric amenities and living programs that are conveniently available on-site.
For more information on our housing options or programs, contact us today.
