Guest guest Posted June 26, 2004 Report Share Posted June 26, 2004 Yoga Relieves Fatigue in MS Patients Studies found that taking yoga classes and practicing poses for a six-month period could greatly improve fatigue symptoms in people with multiple sclerosis (MS). The study also revealed that yoga was just as effective as aerobic exercises in relieving fatigue-related symptoms. Although there didn’t appear to be an improvement in cognitive functioning in the MS studies, there was a definite increase in the quality of physical health. In one study it was found that 57 percent of the 2,000 participants with multiple sclerosis who tried yoga reported that it produced some positive effects on their health. Study on MS and the Effects of Yoga 69 patients with MS were divided into three groups: one group attended a weekly lyengar yoga class, a type of yoga that involves stationary positions that work by relaxing various muscle groups, the second group participated in a weekly class that involved riding a stationary bicycle and the third group served as the control group. Both the yoga and bike riding groups exercised at home. Researchers evaluated the groups for attention, alert levels, mood, anxiety, fatigue and overall quality of life. The yoga classes were weekly and lasted 90 minutes. Participants of the study learned approximately 19 poses and did breathing exercises to help them with relaxation and concentration. The aerobic group rode recumbent bicycles or stationary bicycles and completed their exercise routine with some light stretching moves. Findings From The Study No apparent changes in cognitive abilities. Signs of improvement in fatigue symptoms. Yoga and aerobics were shown to produce equally positive effects on fatigue symptoms. Neurology June 8, 2004;62(11):2058-64 Dr. Mercola's Comment: Interestingly, yoga is also widely used as a natural form of pain relief because it is thought to help regulate the brain's pain center and its attention to breathing is calming and reduces tension, which can help with pain management. The bottom line is that any form of exercise whether it is swimming, riding a stationary bike or getting involved in some type of physical activity will help improve fatigue symptoms commonly linked to MS. The other critical areas that need to be addressed with MS include metabolic typing and emotional balancing. I have found in my practice that our success rates for MS have been dramatically improved after patients applied these adjustments to their lifestyle. The vast majority of the patients who come to our clinic with early MS seem to do quite well. It is absolutely amazing--it is uncommon for a week to go by without seeing someone in the practice who has resolved his or her MS challenge with the program. I am convinced that resolving the stress is a major part of improving the MS equation. Eating a healthy diet that is right for your metabolic type is also an important part of controlling this disease. Finally, I recommend avoiding nearly all drugs for MS since they are only Band-Aids (and for most are quite expensive). Vitamin D is also an essential part of the treatment. In my book I explain that it is medical malpractice not to normalize vitamin D levels with testing to values in the high 40s or low 50s. Related Articles: Amazing Recovery From Multiple Sclerosis Sunlight Exposure Beneficial In Multiple Sclerosis Multiple Sclerosis: A Chronic Mycotoxicosis? Multiple Sclerosis and Epstein-Barr Virus Multiple Sclerosis May be Linked to Infection Multiple Sclerosis Drug Linked to Heart Problems Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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