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Yoga for ALS

Inclusion of a therapeutic practice like yoga, in tandem with physiotherapy and occupational therapy can help reduce the symptoms of ALS and greatly improve the quality of life. Yoga therapy uses asanas that involve stretching and relaxation of various muscles, in combination with deep breathing techniques to improve muscle tone and reduce pain. Research shows that the benefits of yoga for movement disorders include improved strength, flexibility, balance, overall fitness and quality of life.

Pranayama:

Prana means Life and Ayam means control. Pranayam means control of the inner force of human life. The breath we breathe in and out is regarded as Prana which means bioenergy that endows man with ultimate potential for self-development. It is the vital life force. But man must suitably control and channelize the prana or use it for right end. Yoga prescribes various practices of Pranayama or control of Prana popularly referred to as breathe control. The yogic breathing itself becomes a prayer, a satisfying spiritual experience in which one is aware of the living presence of God.

There are 3 types of Pranayama which we describe here:

Pranayama:

Equalization of inhalation & exhalation

Techniques :

Inter costal Breathing

Techniques :

Anulom Vilom

Techniques :

Yastikasana:

Techniques :

Lie on back legs fully extended and arms extended at the side.
Be relaxed, inhale and raise arms above the head, rest them on the floor and stretch.
Holding breath, slowly stretch the body at full length, the toes and fingers pointing outward, as if trying to reach out. (Any attempt at maximum stretching of the body should be only during retention of breath)
Repeat 3 to 4 times with in-between pose.

Yastikasana:

Shavasana:

Shavasana is recommended for complete relexation of the body and mind.

Techniques :

Lie supine on the floor. Consciously relex different areas of the body starting with the toes.
Next relax the ankles
The knees
The thighs and fingers together
The genital area.
The anus
The abdominal area

The chest region, the shoulders
The neck
The chin
The mouth
The tip of the nose
The space between the eyebrows
The forehead
The mind

Shavasana:

Face Yoga:

Increases Circulation to the Neck,face and Scalp.
Applied rehabilitation using Facial Muscles.
Increase cell Nutrients and Oxygenation
Isolating the muscles that control the mouth with various exercises can have a positive effect on overall speech quality for those suffering from a disease that weakness the muscles.
Isolating the muscles that control the mouth with various exercises can have a positive effect on overall speech quality for those suffering from a disease that weakness the muscles.
Utilizing various facial exercises help build muscle tone.
Stress management and anxiety control.

Face Yoga:

Facial Exercises

THE “O”

Techniques :

The “Sour-Kitten”

Techniques :

“The Balloon” 3 Finger

Techniques :

know more about facial strengthening exercises

Visualization:

Straight, close your eyes. Imagine a golden light flowing into your face.
Now it is filling your cheeks, your chin, your neck. As it fills you can swallow easily, the saliva not drooling.
You can hear yourself speak easily, your muscles of your mouth are moving easily. You sit still and feel the clouds of gold flowing in and out of your face
Slowly when you are ready, open your eyes.

# Note: Consult a Face Yoga expert prior to using the exercises