Description

Parkinson’s disease is a brain disorder that causes movement problems, including shaking, stiffness, and difficulty with balance and coordination. It’s a progressive disease that worsens over time and can lead to disability and the need for care. 

	Parkinson’s disease
Symptoms	Uncontrolled movements, stiffness, difficulty with balance and coordination, tremors, painful muscle contractions, difficulty speaking
Onset	Usually begins gradually, often on one side of the body, and worsens over time
Risk factors	Age, family history, exposure to air pollution, pesticides, and solvents
Treatment	Medicines can help control symptoms, and some people may have surgery. Physical therapy, aerobic exercise, and speech therapy may also be recommended

While there’s no cure for Parkinson’s disease, there are some things that may help protect against it, including:

• Exercise, especially aerobic exercise
• Drinking caffeinated beverages like coffee and green tea
• Taking certain medicines, like ibuprofen and statins 

Can Yoga & Meditation helps manage Parkison Disorder?

Yoga and meditation can help manage Parkinson’s disease by improving physical and mental health:

• Physical benefits

Yoga can help with mobility, strength, flexibility, and balance. It can also help with muscle spasms and relieve tight muscles.

• Mental benefits

Yoga can help improve mood, sleep, and reduce stress.

• Social benefits

In-person yoga classes can help people with Parkinson’s make friends and socialize.

• Brain benefits

Meditation can help improve memory, cognition, and mood. It can also help maintain brain function as the disease progresses. 

Some yoga poses that can help with Parkinson’s include:

• Seated cat/cow
• Core twists with hands on shoulders
• Lateral movement of the spine
• Elbow kayaks
• Seated or standing “joy kriya”
• Leg swings
• Seated or standing dancing warrior
• Arm circles