Yoga Therapy for Parkinson’s Patients

In a modern, temperature-controlled studio in Anna Nagar, a collective of senior gentlemen engage in personalized yoga postures and breathing techniques, each guided by an attentive therapist. The program is a specialized weekly yoga therapy project, implemented by Parivarthan for Parkinson’s, designed to foster connections among individuals with Parkinson’s disease.

Over the past year, Parivarthan has collaborated with Yogavahini, a teaching organization based in Besant Nagar, to offer regular yoga sessions tailored to the unique needs of its members. “The distinct aspect of this yoga therapy,” explains Sudha Meiyappan, founder of Parivarthan for Parkinson’s, “is its individualized approach. Every participant is paired with a therapist for the duration of the session, who possesses a comprehensive understanding of the individual’s medical history, enabling the exercises to be meticulously customized.”

Benefits of Yoga Therapy

Lakshmy, a therapist with Yogavahini, emphasizes that yoga therapy is not intended as a cure, but rather as a supportive adjunct. She explains, “Controlled breathing can alleviate stiffness and mitigate depression, potentially preventing the onset of dementia, a prevalent concern among individuals with the condition.”

T. S. Sankaranarayanan (74), a retired electrical engineer and active consultant, has been a part of Parivarthan’s program for approximately 22 months. Initially diagnosed with early Parkinson’s, Sankaranarayanan sought relief from various modalities. He shares, “After joining this group, my symptoms have stabilized. My weight is under control. Through regular yoga practice, proper medication, active living, and dietary management, I am effectively managing the disease.” He also highlights the value of interacting with others affected by Parkinson’s.

Additional Perspectives

Echoing Sankaranarayanan’s experience, other participants acknowledge the benefits of the therapy sessions. Arumugam, who has attended for the past two months, states, “These sessions have significantly improved my symptoms.” S. Ganeshan recounts, “I was experiencing severe tremors, balance issues, and memory loss. After joining Parivarthan, these issues have diminished, allowing me to ride a two-wheeler. I feel rejuvenated, despite witnessing others facing more severe challenges.”

For Sudha, the primary objective of both Parivarthan and the yoga sessions is to encourage communication among patients. She notes, “Sharing experiences has a profound impact on their mood and well-being. We also organize talks by specialists and occupational therapy, but the emphasis remains on fostering social interaction, which has been shown to elevate dopamine levels in the brain.”