We have many in the class with chronic illnesses of all sorts. By coming to a yoga class you are taking responsibility for your own health. Sometimes a doctor might recommend a yoga class, but not often, so usually each person has to search out his own complimentary therapies and implement them without the extra motivation of a doctor’s prescription.
Here are some of the benefits of attending a yoga class, even if your physical condition makes it impossible to fully participate. Each of these things lifts the spirit which is a pillar of good health:
1. Social support. Getting out of bed and joining a group of other people is strong positive medicine. Each person contributes to the energy of the class and it’s fun to meet new people and enjoy laughter and doing something with other people.
2. Deep relaxing breathing. Most chronic illness is made better when stress levels are lower and deep breathing is a path to relaxation. Shelly and Leslie have both said that if you only came to class and sat in a chair and did simple movements but were breathing deeply and consciously, it would be a wonderful yoga practice. The benefits would be subtle but real.
3. Learning something new. Chronic pain and illness can shrink your world and your desire to try new things so kudos to those who are courageous and learning something new. Brain growth occurs at any age every time a new pathway is made in the brain. Learning new things like yoga and staying with it during the beginner (clumsy) stage stimulates brain growth.
4. Belief is medicine. Just like a placebo, if you believe you are doing something wonderful for your health, then you are. Belief makes biological changes at the cellular level towards health. Linking body, mind and breath is a definition of yoga. Belief is the mind part of the equation.
