Yoga’s traditional mind-body healing practices have lately garnered interest among scientists as an alternative and supplementary therapy. Yoga for the nervous system has been praised for its therapeutic potential. It is well known in Western society since the World Health Organization formally began promoting simple asanas to cure medical illness in underdeveloped nations in 1978. However, an increasing number of individuals are using yoga to help them recover from injuries.

This article examines the usefulness of yoga’s primary and applied features in illness prevention and health promotion using extensive scientific, evidence-based studies. Its goal is to show how yoga may help people with neurological problems such as epilepsy, stroke, multiple sclerosis, Alzheimer’s disease, peripheral nervous system disease, and fibromyalgia.

Value of yoga in health practices

The actual core of yoga is to raise the life energy, also known as ‘Kundalini,’ at the base of the spine. It will be accomplished through a variety of physical and mental workouts. The approaches consist of numerous yoga postures or asanas that attempt to maintain the body healthy physically. To control the mind, breathing exercises called ‘pranayama’ and meditation called ‘dhyana’ are used.

However, the importance of yoga in neurological disorders is to assist the person in transcending the self and achieving enlightenment.

As the Bhagavad-Gita says, “A person is said to have achieved yoga, the union with the Self, when the perfectly disciplined mind gets freedom from all desires, and becomes absorbed in the Self alone.”

Yoga poses to fight neurological disorder:

Viparita Karani (legs-up-the-wall)

Legs-Up-the-Wall Pose, also known as Viparita Karani in Sanskrit, is a vital yoga posture with a long list of advantages, making it a favourite option among those looking to unwind.

Steps to-do Viparita Karani:

  1. Sit against the wall on your right side, with your knees bent and your feet brought in toward your hips.
  2. As you move to lie flat on your back, swing your legs up against the wall.
  3. Place your hips against or slightly away from the wall.
  4. Put your arms in whatever posture is comfortable for you.
  5. Hold this posture for at least 20 minutes.
  6. Gently push yourself away from the wall to release the pose.
  7. For a few seconds, lie down on your back and relax.
  8. Roll onto your right side, drawing your knees against your chest.
  9. Allow yourself a few seconds of rest before cautiously rising to your feet.

Paschimottanasana (seated forward fold)

This position aids digestion and soothes the body.

Steps to-do Paschimottanasana:

  1. Sit with your legs out in front of you, your bottom on a folded blanket or pillow.
  2. Draw your toes back toward your shins and press into your heels. You can keep your knees slightly bent.
  3. As you lengthen your spine, place your hands alongside your body and press into the floor.
  4. As you root into your sit bones, open your heart core.
  5. Slowly bend at your hips and fold forward on an exhale.
  6. Walking with your hands beside your body is an excellent way to start. Place them on the floor or between your legs to rest. Your hands might also be clasped around your feet.
  7. Lift your torso and stretch your spine slightly with each breath.
  8. Exhale and lower yourself deeper into the posture with each exhale.
  9. Hold this position for up to 3 minutes. Then, extend them, use a strap around the soles of your feet to increase the stretch.

Setu Bandha Sarvāṅgāsana (bridge pose)

Setu Bandha Sarvangasana can be invigorating, revitalising, or luxuriously refreshing, depending on your needs.

Steps to-do Setu Bandha Sarvangasana:

  1. Lie down in the centre of the mat on your back, knees bent, legs and feet parallel, and hips apart.
  2. Bring your feet up to the level of your buttocks. Inhale to elevate your hips by pressing down firmly through both feet and rising from the pubic bone rather than the navel.
  3. Place your hands on the floor behind your back. Get on top of your shoulders and broaden your collarbones. Roll your upper thighs inside and firm the outer shins. Keep your thighs parallel and press down forcefully through your heels to elevate the back of your thighs and the bottom of your buttocks even higher.
  4. Exhale, release your hands, and drop yourself to the floor. As you examine the spaciousness within your chest, allow your back to rest in a neutral position.

Baddha Konasana (Butterfly pose)

Butterfly Pose is a valuable addition to most yoga practices since it is suited for all levels. Because it enhances flexibility and lowers stress, this position is beneficial.

Steps to-do Butterfly Pose:

  1. Begin by sitting in a comfortable position.
  2. Bend your knees gently and press your feet’ soles together.
  3. Place your hands on your ankles or shins, or interlace your fingers around the pinkie-toe side of your feet.
  4. Broaden your chest and lengthen your spine.
  5. Pull your shoulders back and down.
  6. You can hold this posture for up to 5 minutes.
  7. Then, extend your legs forward and lean back on your hands to exit the stance.

Balasana (child’s pose)

The lower back, hips, and legs are relaxed in this asana, which is thought to massage the interior organs.

Steps to-do Balasana:

  1. Kneel and sit back on your heels in a comfortable position.
  2. Adjust your knees to a hip-width or somewhat broader distance apart.
  3. Bend your hips and slowly walk your hands out in front of you.
  4. Allowing your torso to rest on your thighs is a good idea.
  5. Rest your forehead on the floor and lengthen the back of your neck.
  6. You can either maintain your arms outstretched or bring them beside your body, palms up.
  7. Allow your stomach to sink into your legs. Maintain a slight touch on this region.
  8. Hold this position for up to 5 minutes.
  9. Make fists with your hands to increase the pressure on your abdomen. Then, before bending forward, place them on either side of your lower abdomen.

If you know someone suffering from a neurological disorder, then consult Dr Chandril Chugh. He is an American neurosurgeon with 16 years of experience who specialises in minimally invasive brain surgery.