5 Ways People With Stroke Can Benefit From Yoga

In Malaysia, stroke is one of the top 5 leading causes of death and one of the top 10 causes for hospitalisation. How does it happen? Stroke takes place when the blood supply to part of your brain is suddenly interrupted or progressively reduced, depriving brain tissue of oxygen and nutrients.

For some people, the effects of stroke may be relatively minor, while others may be left with more serious long-term issues. For example, some may have problems such as speech and visual impairment It can also lead to difficulty with balance and increase the risk of falls.

After being discharged from the hospital, people with stroke may have to cope with the long-term effects of stroke. Hence, it is recommended to start rehabilitation soon after a stroke to help improve mobility function. In addition to that, the benefits of yoga for stroke recovery are huge and research has shown that individuals with stroke who practice yoga cope better compared to those who don’t.

Yoga helps improve your cognitive function

Yoga is therapeutic for stroke recovery because of the undivided attention required. When performing yoga poses, you are focusing all your energy onto your brain’s processing power which reduces the cognitive load on your brain. Each movement is very deliberate; after all, you are focusing on breathing right and transitioning into poses, and that extra stimulation can really wake up your brain. You will find it easier to focus on your everyday tasks as your brain is already used to focusing on one thing at a time.

Yoga helps individuals with stroke with their range of motion, strength and endurance

A typical yoga practice on a regular basis can definitely offer muscle strengthening benefits. For example, yoga strengthens the upper body during the Chaturanga Dandasana pose, also known as a low plank, which can be modified to an individual’s ability. On the other hand, the Downward Dog pose uses the strength of your arms and legs to fully and evenly stretch your spine. However, do it mindfully if you or your loved one with stroke has impaired movement and balance.

Yoga can help those with limited lower body mobility

Full mobility is something we often take for granted when we have it. If you are experiencing limited lower body mobility and stiffness, it does not mean that yoga is out of the question for you. The mobility issues that people with stroke face often lead to balance issues and poor gait (manner of walking) but over time and with practice, yoga can improve their gait with longer steps and better coordination. Yoga poses like the Cat and Cow, Forward Fold and Seated Twist can enhance the range of motion for the rest of the body, and reduce any pain and stiffness that may show in other parts of the body.

Easy modifications to make yoga more comfortable

Yoga is also great for stroke recovery because it can be tailored to almost any stage of recovery. There is a modification for almost every yoga pose to accommodate your physical needs. Even if you have paralysis, you can start with meditation and mental practice. For those with mobility impairment, chair yoga or using props to support poses can be considered. There is something for everyone!

Yoga helps manage depression, fear, and anxiety

The combination of breathing, meditation, and physical movement relieves depression, fear and anxiety. Meditation helps bring a person into the present moment and allows them to clear their minds. Controlled, focused movements also help strengthen the body-mind connection.

Research has revealed that “yogic breathing, defined as a manipulation of breath movement, has been shown to positively affect immune function, autonomic nervous system imbalances, and psychological or stress-related disorders.” One common mistake made by many is holding their breath while they exercise. Thankfully, yoga places a heavy emphasis on aligning breath to movement.

Prioritising daily yoga can be life-affirming but be sure to talk to your doctor or therapist about whether yoga is safe for you before you start your yoga practice. One thing to discuss is whether any common yoga poses might pose a hazard for individuals with stroke.

Feel free to reach out to our Care Advisors at 016-2992188 to learn more about how we can assist with post-stroke recovery for you or your loved ones.