Balance is vital, in all its forms – physical, mental, spiritual, cosmic. The pursuit of pure equilibrium is one of the ultimate aims of yoga and meditation, both of which are perfectly adapted to the redistribution of the body's inner energy, ki. Hence, it may come as no surprise that researchers believe that yoga may help restore mind body balance following a stroke.
That was the conclusion of an investigation recently conducted at the Roudebush VA Medical Center in Indianapolis. Its findings may bring hope to millions of stroke victims who struggle to get back on their feet.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates that 6.2 million Americans have a history of stroke. That's nearly 3 percent of adults, many of whom may have trouble finding their balance.
Yoga may be just the thing for revitalizing their mind body connection. The study, published in the journal Stroke, involved delivering yoga-based therapies to stroke patients. The treatments included relaxation and meditation techniques performed standing, sitting or supine.
The team found that, after eight weeks of these interventions, patients who did yoga were better able to balance themselves and had fewer fears of falling.
"Group yoga may be complementary to rehabilitation, may be possible in medical-based and community-based settings and may be cost-effective," the authors concluded.
Post a Comment