Shreedhar Parab
Interview
1. How do yoga poses ease pain (do they increase blood flow, stimulate muscles, etc.)?
Yoga is not just confined to stimulating blood flow or muscles, rather it has a total impact on the body. Whenever we're talking about yoga, we're talking about a local, associated, and central benefit. Whatever form you do, it will have those three benefits. For example, if you were to perform Marjarasana (मार्जारीसन) or the Cat Pose, when you stretch out your spine, it automatically helps correct it in a natural way. This will ease pain, increase mobility and help you in your daily life - this is the local benefit. The associated benefit here would be your stimulated nerve endings and other benefited body systems as a result of performing the yoga, and lastly, the central benefit would be your elevated mental state. This principle of pain relief can be applied to all forms of yoga, but Maharajana A and B is the simplest to perform.
2. My non-profit is dedicated to aiding the elderly with degenerative diseases, like Parkinson’s or Alzheimer’s. In your opinion, does yoga have any neurological or cognitive benefits?
Dementia is a general term and Parkinson's and Alzheimer's diseases that fall under that umbrella. What makes the umbrella is a distinctive cognitive decline, as well as degradation in memory and behavior. But when you perform yoga and stimulate nerve endings, you are also increasing brain activity and encouraging a sense of pleasure. Chemicals such as dopamine, oxytocin, serotonin, and endorphins are released in the brain. So yoga enhances mood by elevating levels of brain chemicals. Neurotransmitter activity of GABA (for mood) and Glutamate (learning and memory) are also increased. As long as you maintain the position of an asana for an extended time, you will begin to see these results. In brief, yoga causes a calming, healing effect on the mind.
3. Do you think doing yoga helps with sleep routines and the circadian rhythm?
As we know, the circadian rhythm is a 24-hour body clock that responds and changes due to slight changes in the environment. Naturally sleep is important to keep this cycle going and properly replenish your body. Yoga can help you sleep better, but you need to be committed to do it to see any results. Just remember, yoga's effects are gradual - if you stay consistent and do it for a long time, you will begin to see decreased stress, strain, and anxiety. Overthinking and stress also cause disturbed sleep; as such, you need to remove as much stress as possible for the patient with dementia. Yoga is one way to help with this. However, sleep is not an isolated or a direct factor of yoga, rather, it is because yoga benefits your overall health that sleep is improved as a byproduct. In summary, when your overall health is improved, and all your body systems align, your proper circadian rhythm will be established.
4. Could you perhaps suggest some poses that are simple for those with limited mobility to perform? What are the benefits of these poses?
Note: Please consult with a medical professional if you are concerned about these exercises. Do not perform any that cause significant pain or seem too difficult. VIVADIA is not responsible for a reader's actions.
The main problem for those with limited mobility in regards to yoga is being able to keep balance, both physical and mental. To alleviate this, I suggest the Sandhi Chalan Kriyas (संधी चालन क्रिया ) or Joint Movements and general stroke yogic practices. These are very simple to perform, and they will help with regaining mobility in joints that are stiff due to age. Moving joints more often will prevent their degradation and preserve their mobility. Also, I recommend trying out Setu bhandasana (सेतूबंधासन) if you are able to do it. Other exercises include Shwasana Marg Shudhhi (श्वसनमार्गशुद्धी ) or Kapalbhati (कपालभाती). These will clear your nasal passages alongside negative thoughts. Otherwise, you can also perform some general exercises like Tadasana (ताडासन) , Sulabh Tadagi Mudra (सुलभतडागी मुद्रा), or Jivha Bandha ( जिव्हा बंध ). Lastly, try the Omkar Japa Mantra (ऱ्हस्व , दीर्घ , प्लूत) .
From VIVADIA: If you're interested in any of these, check out tutorials for all the Yogic Practices mentioned in the Resources Page!
Other Yogic Practices (tutorials not included)
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In addition to Jivah Bhandha:
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Sinha Mudra
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Datta Mudra
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Brahma Mudra (with Prandharana)
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5. How does performing yoga alleviate the psychological detriments of degenerative diseases (like isolation, depression, etc.)
Again, yoga promotes a sense of calm and reduces anxiety. To help combat isolation, it is always beneficial to go to yoga sessions as a group. You will then develop a sense of community and confidence that will enhance your satisfaction and quality of living. You will also be able to see your friends more often, and take pride in collective progress. Don't worry about looking awkward or feeling like it's too late to start, just focus on your self-growth. When you make progress, you will feel a new sense of achievement, and I think that's worth chasing.
6. Do you have any final tips and tricks for beginning/continuing yoga in the elderly years (general wellness tips are fine too)?
Yes, I hope everyone reading this will pursue yoga and commit to a healthy lifestyle! For those with degenerative diseases, they most important thing is to stay active, regardless of what it is specifically. This may include exercising, having hobbies, or even socializing. As long as they stay a part of society, they will improve. If you need to encourage them, do it. Teach them, guide them, support them, do whatever you can. And a message for you guys, never think you can't do something or you're not good enough. Keep an open mind and stay connected to other people in society. Yoga isn't just limited to doing Asanas or going through the forms, more than that, it's a lifestyle. The gods are with you on this journey, just remember to stay happy and positive! Thank You!