David Wallack Explains How Yoga Helps Stoke Survivors
Online, July 31, 2012 (Newswire.com) - Yoga is known to benefit and the alleviate symptoms associated with many health conditions ranging from back pain to chronic depression. A new study conducted by the American Heart Association shows a correlation between regular yoga practice and restored balance in stroke survivors. TIME has released an article that discusses these findings and the potential benefits of regular yoga practice. David Wallack , a yoga teacher and the owner of Harmony Bliss Yoga Center agrees with the findings of the study and offers insight into the research.
In the study, participants used yoga to treat balance problems caused by strokes. The individuals all suffered from strokes approximately six months prior to the beginning of the study and were able to stand without assistance before the commencement of a yoga session. Patients were divided into groups and assigned weekly yoga and relaxation sessions. The first group participated in yoga twice a week for eight weeks. The second group also met for yoga twice a week but complemented their exercise listening to meditation recordings three times a week. The control group practiced no yoga or relaxation techniques and continued their medical treatment as usual.
A certified yoga teacher led the classes and increased the difficulty of poses weekly. After eight weeks, the balance of those participating in the yoga classes had greatly improved. Yoga participants were able to stand with their eyes closed and reported having more confidence and motivation to perform daily activities. "Because yoga involves the body and the mind, participants were able to see both psychological and physical benefits," reports yoga teacher, David Wallack.
Study participants reported an improvement in their lifestyle and mindset after participating in yoga. Moreover, many participants stated they felt increasingly motived to lead a more active life and confident about their ability to recover from their stroke.
"Participants in the study stated they wished they had done this type of intervention while in the hospital or just earlier in their life. They were able to use the breathing and meditation to help decrease stress," said lead study researcher and author Dr. Arlene Schmid, a rehab research scientist at Roudebush Veterans Administration - Medical Center in Indianapolis.
Wallack goes onto agree with other research which shows the benefit of yoga in alleviating stress as well as other medical ailments ranging from eating disorders to irregular heartbeats. The need is acknowledged that larger studies should be completed before coming to any strong conclusions. In the meantime, many stroke survivors are finding relief in regular yoga practice to strengthen their balance and coordination.
ABOUT:
David Wallack is the founder of North Carolina-based yoga studio, Harmony Bliss. Wallack received his 500-hour yoga teacher certification from the Seven Centers Yoga Studio in Sedona, Arizona. He is experienced in Vipassana meditation and teaches Hatha yoga. Wallack incorporates yoga, meditation, aromatherapy and massage into his teachings. He is a certified aromatherapist and Reiki master.