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system activation and lower heart rate variability. (Emerson, Sharma, Chaudhry, &
Turner, 2009) Reminders of the past automatically activate certain neurobiological
responses leaving trauma survivors vulnerable to react irrationally by blowing up in
response to minor provocations, freezing when frustrated or becoming helpless in the
face of trivial challenges (Van der Kolk, 2006). Research by Van der Kolk (2006) has
shown that yoga reduces PTSD symptomatology showing significant decreases in
frequency of intrusions and severity of hyperarousal. Mitchell, et al. (2014) reports that
yoga reduces PTSD symptoms in several ways including reduced basal cortisol and
catecholamine secretions, decreased SNS and increased PNS activity, down regulating
the hypothamlamic-pituitary-adrenal axis and increasing resilience and enhancing mindbody awareness. Traumatized individuals have great difficulty attending to their inner
sensations and perceptions and frequently become overwhelmed and use dissociation to
cope (Van der Kolk 2006). There are several things to consider when working with
individuals with PTSD, the foremost is making sure to provide a space in which
participants feel safe and less vulnerable (Emerson et al., 2009). Minimize noise, outside
distractions, use soft lighting, avoid mirrors, make sure there will be no interruptions and
that you have enough props for everyone (Emerson et al., 2009). The instructor should be
engaged, welcoming and approachable, dressing conservatively, be in the room before
participants arrive, keep a good pace of instruction and be mindful of the language that
they use using invitatory language such as when you are ready and if you like to
avoid having the participants feel they are being coerced or pushed (Emerson et al.,
2009). Do not offer physical assists or move around a lot and always be willing to make
changes when things are not working (Emerson et al., 2009).
Participants with Multiple Sclerosis: Multiple sclerosis is a demyelinating disease that
affects the white matter of the CNS producing various symptoms including fatigue, loss
of balance and coordination, pain, cognitive dysfunction, loss of function and feeling in
the limbs and depression. (Ahmadi, Nikbakh, Arastoo & Habibi, 2010) Research by
Ahmadi et al. (2010) has shown that even a short period of yoga practice led to a
significant decrease of fatigue in MS patients. In addition, Ahmadi et al. (2010) suggests
that yoga would also be beneficial to individuals with MS for improving balance, speed
and endurance of walking and positive effects on quality of life. Adaptations include
holding the pose for 10-30 seconds with resting periods between poses of 30 seconds to
one minute (Ahmadi, Arastoo, Nikbakht, Zahednejad & Rajabpour, 2013). In addition to
the regular yoga props, participants can be supported with a chair, Swiss ball or wall
(Ahmadi et al., 2013). Music is suggested for the calming effects and supervision by a
neurologist and physiotherapist is recommended (Ahmadi et al., 2013). Ahmadi et al.
(2013) suggest the temperature be kept at 73-78F (23-26C) during practice as overheating
problems associated with MS aggravates the symptoms.
Ahmadi, A., Arastoo, A. A., Nikbakht, M., Zahednejad, S., & Rajabpour, M. (2013).
Comparison of the Effect of 8 weeks Aerobic and Yoga Training on Ambulatory
Function, Fatigue and Mood Status in MS Patients. Iranian Red Crescent Medical
Journal Iran Red Crescent Med J, 15(6), 449-454.
Ahmadi, A., Nikbakh, M., Arastoo, A., & Habibi, A. (2010). The Effects of a Yoga
Intervention on Balance, Speed and Endurance of Walking, Fatigue and Quality of
Life in People with Multiple Sclerosis. Journal of Human Kinetics, 23(-1), 71-78.
Emerson, D., Sharma, R., Chaudhry, S., & Turner, J. (2009). Yoga Therapy in Practice
Trauma-Sensitive Yoga: Principles, Practice, and Research. International Journal
of Yoga Therapy, 19, 123-128.
Gannon, S., & Life, D. (2014). Beginner Vinyasa Class Curriculum. Retrieved February
02, 2016, from http://jivamuktiyoga.com/page/beginner-vinyasa
Mitchell, K. S., Dick, A. M., Dimartino, D. M., Smith, B. N., Niles, B., Koenen, K. C., &
Street, A. (2014). A Pilot Study of a Randomized Controlled Trial of Yoga as an
Intervention for PTSD Symptoms in Women. Journal of Traumatic Stress, 27(2),
121-128.
Van der Kolk, B. A. (2006). Clinical Implications of Neuroscience Research in PTSD.
Annals of the New York Academy of Sciences, 1071(1), 277-293.