Chair yoga at the TSSS STAR centre is especially beneficial for people with Parkinson’s disease and stroke survivors because it offers a safe, adaptable, and effective way to improve mobility, balance, flexibility, and mental well-being. Here’s why it works so well:
1.Enhances Mobility and Flexibility
- Parkinson’s and stroke can cause muscle stiffness and reduced range of motion.
- Chair yoga includes gentle stretching that helps maintain joint flexibility and reduce muscle rigidity.
2. Improves Balance and Coordination
- Parkinson’s often affects balance, increasing the risk of falls.
- Stroke survivors may have weakness on one side of the body.
- Seated poses and controlled movements help retrain coordination and stability in a safe environment.
3. Reduces Stress and Anxiety
- Parkinson’s and stroke recovery can be stressful, and anxiety can worsen symptoms.
- Yoga breathing techniques (pranayama) and mindfulness help calm the nervous system and improve emotional resilience.
4. Supports Strength and Posture
- Many chair yoga exercises strengthen core muscles, which support posture and overall stability.
- This is particularly useful for stroke survivors who need to regain strength in weakened muscles.
5. Aids in Neuroplasticity and Brain Health
- Gentle, repetitive movements in yoga encourage brain-body connection, promoting neuroplasticity (the brain's ability to rewire itself after injury).
- This can be especially helpful for stroke rehabilitation and slowing Parkinson’s progression.
6. Accessible and Safe
- Because it is chair-based, yoga reduces the risk of falls and allows people with limited mobility to participate comfortably.
- It’s an inclusive practice, making it easier for individuals with varying abilities to engage and benefit.
7. Enhances Circulation and Reduces Fatigue
- Movement improves blood flow, which is essential for healing and reducing fatigue.
- Gentle yoga can also help with swelling and circulation issues common in stroke recovery.
Chair yoga provides a holistic, low-impact way for people with Parkinson’s and stroke survivors to stay active, improve their well-being, and regain confidence in their movement.
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