Yoga and Dystonia

Yoga - exercises for those with dystonia

Yoga and Dystonia

I was diagnosed with cervical dystonia in 1999, after two years of pain and my head turning involuntarily to the right for about two years at that point. I was very fatigued, embarrassed about my head turning right and staying there and almost always in pain. Sleep was my only real escape, EXCEPT for Yoga. I had been practicing yoga since 1994 and teaching yoga since 1995. Whenever I practiced or taught, I moved into what I refer to as "The Yoga Zone" (a term actually coined by Alan Finger, an internationally known yoga teacher). For that hour or so, I felt no pain, glided in and out of postures and meditated with ease. It was like a sanctuary from my constant pain and spasm. Within an hour after I finished my yoga class, the pain and spasm returned. However, I had learned that when the pain was the worst, the deep yogic breathing helped me relax during some of my worst times. This deep yogic breathing also helped me get through some of the treatment for my disability like receiving multiple injections of Botox in my neck. This procedure which partially paralyses the muscles injected is very painful. The yogic breathing made it less so. The yoga postures done on a regular schedule of at least 3-5 times a week decreased some of the spasm, aches and stiffness I experienced.

Specifically, some of the yogic positions/postures that I use are:

1. Nodding Yes, No and Maybe with my head

2. The Bridge Lie on back, knees bent, soles of feet close to buttocks, arms by my side. On a deep exhalation, squeeze the buttocks and raise the pelvis up off the floor, hold for 2-3 deep breaths and return to the starting position. Repeat 5 times.

3. The Boat Lie on belly, forehead to floor, legs stretched out, but touching each other; arms 30 degrees from sides. On a deep exhalation, tighten the buttocks and lift the head, upper chest, arms and legs up off the floor. Hold for 2-3 deep breaths. Return to starting position. Repeat 5 times.

4. The Locust (lie on belly, legs stretched out, but touching each other, arms by sides or hands tucked under body at about the thigh area. On an exhalation, tighten buttocks and lift the left leg, hold for 2-3 breaths, return leg to floor. Then repeat with the right leg; Finally repeat with both legs. Each part is done once. Then, the entire process is repeated 5 times.

5. Warrior Stand with feet hip width apart and parallel to each other. Tuck tail slightly under. As you inhale, lift your arms up via the sides to clasp you hands over your head, thumbs side by side, index fingers touching and pointing to the sky and remaining fingers clasped. Then step forward with your right foot about 3 feet or more. Bend the right knee. Bend over the knee, then lift the upper torso so the chest presses out proudly. Hold for 2-3 deep breaths. Return to the starting position. Repeat the same steps with the left foot. The entire set of movements is done 5 times.

Source: http://www.theyogalady.com

For further information please email: theyogalady@swfla.rr.com

Please note: the photographs are from: www.yoga.org.nz