She is a renowned expert in the field of multiple sclerosis (MS) and has dedicated her life to helping individuals with MS manage their symptoms and improve their quality of life.
The Founding of Yoga Moves MS
Mindy Eisenberg’s journey into the world of MS began when her husband was diagnosed with the disease. As she navigated the challenges of caregiving, she realized the importance of holistic approaches to managing MS symptoms. This experience sparked her passion for creating a program that would provide individuals with MS and their caregivers with a comprehensive support system.
The Vision Behind Yoga Moves MS
Eisenberg’s vision for Yoga Moves MS was to create a community-driven program that would offer a range of services, including yoga classes, workshops, and online resources.
She saw how her mother’s MS symptoms worsened with the medication and decided to explore alternative approaches. She began practicing yoga and discovered its benefits for her mother’s MS symptoms. She realized that yoga could be a powerful tool for people with MS to manage their symptoms and improve their quality of life.
The Founding of Yoga Moves MS
Jennifer Eisenberg’s journey with MS began when her mother was diagnosed with the disease. Eisenberg’s mother was given traditional treatments, including Valium and steroids, but these medications only worsened her symptoms.
The instructors are trained to provide a safe and supportive environment, allowing students to focus on their practice without feeling self-conscious or anxious.
The Benefits of Yoga for MS
Yoga has been shown to have numerous benefits for individuals with multiple sclerosis (MS).
And that’s exactly what we’re building here,” says Sarah, a yoga instructor at Yoga Moves MS. The sense of community is a key aspect of the yoga studio’s success. Here are some ways they foster this sense of belonging among their students:
Building a Sense of Community
Yoga Moves MS has created a welcoming environment that encourages students to feel at home. This is achieved through various initiatives, including:
She believes that yoga can be a powerful tool for healing and empowerment, and she’s determined to share that with her community.
The Origins of Adaptive Yoga
Adaptive yoga has its roots in the 1970s, when yoga was first introduced to the United States. At that time, yoga was primarily practiced by able-bodied individuals, and those with disabilities were often excluded from classes. However, as the practice gained popularity, a growing number of yoga instructors began to recognize the need for more inclusive classes. In the 1980s, the first adaptive yoga classes were developed, specifically designed for individuals with physical disabilities. These early classes were often taught by instructors who had experience working with students with disabilities, and they focused on modifying traditional yoga poses to accommodate different abilities. As the practice continued to evolve, adaptive yoga began to incorporate other forms of movement, such as tai chi and qigong, to create a more holistic approach to wellness.
The Challenges of Adaptive Yoga
Despite its growing popularity, adaptive yoga still faces numerous challenges. One of the biggest hurdles is finding qualified instructors who can provide the necessary support and accommodations for students with disabilities. Many yoga instructors lack the training and experience needed to teach adaptive yoga, which can lead to a lack of understanding and empathy for students with disabilities. Additionally, many yoga studios and gyms are not equipped to accommodate students with disabilities, which can create barriers to access.
The initiative aims to make yoga accessible to people with disabilities, chronic illnesses, and other marginalized groups.
A New Era of Inclusivity
The rebranding effort is a significant step forward for the organization, which has long been committed to promoting yoga as a holistic practice that benefits the body, mind, and spirit. However, Eisenberg acknowledges that the organization’s previous messaging may have inadvertently excluded certain groups.
The Problem with Exclusion
The Evolution of Yoga
Yoga has undergone significant transformations over the years, from its origins in ancient India to its current global popularity. The word “yoga” is derived from the Sanskrit root “yuj,” meaning “to unite” or “to join.” This concept of unity is at the heart of yoga, aiming to bring together the body, mind, and spirit. The earliest recorded evidence of yoga dates back to the Indus Valley Civilization, around 3000 BCE. The ancient Indian text, the Rigveda, mentions yoga as a means of achieving spiritual enlightenment. The Upanishads, a collection of ancient Indian texts, describe yoga as a path to self-realization and union with the divine.
The Modern Era of Yoga
In the modern era, yoga has evolved to incorporate various styles, techniques, and philosophies. The 20th century saw the rise of Hatha Yoga, Ashtanga Yoga, and Vinyasa Flow Yoga, among others.
The program will be taught by certified yoga instructors who have experience working with individuals with Parkinson’s disease. The program will be designed to help individuals with Parkinson’s disease manage their symptoms and improve their overall well-being. The program will be offered in a group setting, with a maximum of 12 participants. The program will be taught in a gentle and supportive environment, with a focus on breathing, relaxation, and movement.
Introduction
Yoga Moves MS and Parkinson’s Wellness programs are designed to help individuals with multiple sclerosis (MS) and Parkinson’s disease manage their symptoms and improve their overall well-being.
