Multiple Sclerosis (MS) & Yoga

About MS

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• Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is the progressive destruction of the myelin sheaths of neurons in the Central Nervous System.
• It is an autoimmune inflammatory condition in which the body’s defense system recognizes the myelin basic protein (MBP) as foreign and attacks it.
• “Multiple sclerosis literally means ‘many scars’ an etymology which can indicate just how painful this disease can be.” (Mary Smith)
• Signs and symptoms vary depending on the extent of nerve damage and on which nerves are affected. Symptoms may include problems with walking, balancing, thinking, speaking, and coordination.
• MS may be mild and sporadic or it may be progressive. (Susan Braden)
• Some people may suffer from chronic pain as a result. (Chronic pain is vastly different from acute pain and we recommend every yoga teacher get familiar with it. Yoga has excellent results in helping with chronic pain.)
• People who experience MS may be prone to anxiety and depression due to increasing debilitation.

The Anatomy

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To begin with the bigger-picture, see Nervous System Overview and Anatomy of the Brain.