8 Days
Retreat and Follow-up Study
Sign up by contacting us or calling us at 1-800-346-5350.
You can download registration forms here.
Can Yoga Practices Help Manage the Effects of MS?
Improving Quality of Life with Ananda Yoga
Recent research in Rome showed
that Ananda Yoga practice can
decrease fatigue, anxiety, depression
and improve quality of life for
those with Multiple Sclerosis (MS).
Italian researchers also saw improvements
in participant’s functional
abilities – but did not measure
this.
This new clinical trial will take the next step, and will include the investigation
into yoga’s effect on the physical
capacities crucial to maintaining
an active and fulfilling
life.
Anyone diagnosed as being in the
early stages of Multiple Sclerosis
is encouraged to join this study
and learn how Ananda Yoga can:
- increase vitality
- boost energy
- develop mind / body awareness
In-depth and Individualized Instruction
The first day will include pre-intervention
measurements to evaluate strength, endurance,
fatigue, pain, respiratory function,
mood, sleep and quality of life.
Participants learn basic yoga postures in the workshop
Then, participants
will receive in-depth and individualized
instruction in the components of
an Ananda Yoga routine, including:
- Energization Exercises (a unique
series of exercises that combine deep
breathing, isometric contraction, and
mental focus to increase body awareness
and neuromuscular coordination)
- Yoga Postures
- Meditation
This routine will be adapted to the specific needs of individuals with MS.
During the 5-day yoga workshop each participant
will gain knowledge and tools to guide his
or her practice at home with the aid of a
DVD and written handouts.
Telephone follow up and consultation will
be provided during the next 16 weeks of
home practice.
Post intervention evaluations will be done
May 9 to 11, 2008. An option for an extended study period is possible.
Who Can Participate?
To participate in the study, you must:
- Be diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis, early stage
- Be Independently ambulatory without an assistive
device
- Have signed physician consent (form provided)
- The ability to commit to dates of the retreat and
follow up evaluation
- Be willing to practice at home regularly for at least 16 weeks
- Have not been practicing the Energization Exercises (a unique
series of exercises to increase body awareness
and neuromuscular coordination)
regularly for the past year
Services and Benefits
Those who participate in the study will receive:
- Free individual evaluations
- Instruction by RNs, PTs or PhDs / MDs and RYTs
- Follow up phone counseling
- Free DVD and written instructions
in yoga practice
- A coupon for a free 2 night stay at
The Expanding Light for those who
complete the study
Watch this Video for More Information
It scientifically explains why yoga could be an effective intervention for multiple sclerosis, and gives a sample of the kind of yoga practices that participants will be doing.
About the Co-sponsors
The Sierra Family Medical Clinic is well known for its pioneering work in creating
integrated health programs in a rural family practice setting.
Founder / Medical Director of the Clinic, Peter Van Houten MD and Gyandev McCord PhD, Director
of Ananda Yoga at The Expanding Light have co-authored two books on the use of yoga
for health problems.
Now they are combining their expertise again by offering this research
study.
Prices at Deeply Discounted Rates
This 5-day yoga workshop and follow up weekend
are offered at a deeply discounted
research price which includes 3 vegetarian
meals per day and a total of 7 nights of
accommodations. (Scholarships are available
in cases of financial hardship.)
How to Register
When you want to register, or have question, please write to us or call us at 1-800-346-5350, and we will help.
You can download registration and consent forms here.
Nursing CEUs
