Yoga Mat | Multiple Sclerosis Mat Therapy
TREATING MULTIPLE SCLEROSIS WITH A YOGA MAT
Recent research from scientists and researchers from all over the globe points more and more to the value of rolling out the yoga mat and starting to practice that ancient Indian discipline of proper breathing and stretching.
Hot off the presses is a report in the journal Current Neurology And Neuroscience Reports that tells us that researchers in Oregon have studied the effect that yoga had on patients with multiple sclerosis (MS).
The report noted that although there are a number of fairly effective conventional ways western doctors treat MS, many sufferers choose simply to lay down their yoga mat and start practicing as a way to relieve symptoms of the disease. This burgeoning practice has sparked interest by medical researchers into how well a practice requiring only a simple yoga mat stacks up against the best treatments science has to offer.
Researchers have also noticed with interest the strong movement towards treatment of MS with other alternative approaches such as diet, nutritional supplements, herbal remedies, and even marijuana.
Scientists noted that while exploration into the effectiveness of alternative treatments in general is in its infancy, recent controlled studies have begun to give some information on whether or not simply practicing yoga on a mat is beneficial to patients with MS. The early results, they say, are promising. Evidence does indeed point to beneficial effects from yoga experienced by MS patients.
The study also concluded, "considering peoples" interest and common use of these [alternative] therapies, further research in this area is clearly warranted."
[citation: Yadav V, Bourdette D., Curr Neurol Neurosci Rep.2006 May;6(3):259-67. Complementary and alternative medicine: is there a role in multiple sclerosis?]