Yoga for People with Medical Conditions

by Shari and Nina

Carol Krucoff’s post last week Yoga May Be the Best Activity for the Elderly inspired me to interview Shari Ser about the Yoga for Health class at the Berkeley Yoga Room that she and Bonnie Maeda, RN teach on a weekly basis. This class is special because it’s for seniors with medical conditions as well as general aging dysfunction, and current students include those bilateral total knee replacement, severe osteoporosis, coronary artery bypass graft and other heart issues, stroke, vertigo related conditions, severe arthritis, fibromyalgia, and several hip fractures.

Nina: Why did you two decide to start your Yoga for Health class?

Shari: We started this class because we wanted a safe venue to offer to seniors who couldn't participate in a regular gentle yoga class or a Yoga for Seniors class due to individual medical conditions that might make it more challenging for them to safely participate. We intentionally organized the class so there would always be two trained teachers present at all times. One teacher primarily teaches and the supporting teacher assists students who might need modifications other than the way the pose was being taught.

Nina: How is yoga helpful for people with medical conditions?

Shari: Yoga is helpful for all that ails you! It builds strength, stamina, and balance. It also builds confidence and the mental equanimity that you can face anything. The fact that yoga is portable and can be done anywhere is also extremely attractive. You can do yoga in bed, sitting in a chair, driving in a car. Your mat doesn't have to be confined to a physical space but your practice situation can truly be anywhere.

The ability to face any critical illness is aided by stress reduction techniques that Baxter, Timothy and Nina have addressed in previous posts. Being able to monitor your breathing allows you the mental clarity to think things through in a more methodical and calm manner. Learning to find your own focus point whether it is learning how to stand on your toes or dealing with obtuse health insurance adjusters when contesting a claims bill is equally important. I can't overemphasize the importance of the relaxation response when living with chronic health issues.

Furthermore, for so many people their preconceived notions of what they can or can't do is astonishing. People very often tend to underestimate their abilities because no one has ever taken the time to help them break down a series of movements into bite size pieces that they can and do hungrily consume. The look of joy and astonishment on a student's face when they can successfully participate in class continues to be both Bonnie's and my guiding light in our teaching!

But people who are living with chronic medical conditions apart from general aging do present particular unique challenges for the yoga teacher. You literally are thinking on your feet at all times during class because modifications need to be individualized and often times that may precipitate a lot of prop hauling to get the asana just right for the student to begin to reap the healing benefits. An extra set of hands or two is invaluable!

Nina: I love the idea that you help people learn they are capable of more than they think—that's good for the spirit as well as the body. So, what are your classes like?

Shari: All of our classes work on the entire body as well as encouraging a practice space that feels safe and nurturing. It is our circle of practice that invites the student to join us. Also, we try to adequately challenge the students within their abilities. So every class has a balance component with lots of strengthening. We work a lot on developing core stability with flexibility in our shoulders, hips, spine, knees and ankles. Working on upper body as well as lower body strength is also critically important. We also talk about the carryover in their own lives, like being able to turn their heads when they are changing lanes if they still drive, reaching for the item overhead in their kitchen, or as mundane as being able to tie their own shoes.

Nina: I think we'd all agree that helping people stay independent as they age is absolutely invaluable! What should people with medical conditions consider when they look for and/or start to take a yoga class, or start practicing on their own at home?

Shari: Certain medical conditions may warrant formal physician clearance for participation in a yoga class. Our personal opinion is all recent surgeries need official clearance. Other than that it is the teacher's responsibility to keep the student safe but it is equally important that you, as a student, pay attention to how you are feeling during class and to inform the teacher if you notice any sudden changes in yourself during class.

We also think as a student you should ask the prospective teacher specifically what their training is, are they experienced with dealing with your medical condition and can you stop as needed during the class. Also can you decline to participate in an activity that you do not feel ready to do? This is an important question because it tells you how adaptable the teacher will be if special circumstances arise during class.

You should also consider the size of the class. We think a class needs to be small, with no more than 10-12 with two teachers, because this type of population needs close monitoring and frequent rest and hydration breaks. Lastly, the class needs to be fun! Joking and having people share with each other builds a sense of community among the students.