Yoga for Cerebral Palsy

What are the benefits for CP?

However severe the challenges of a person’s cerebral palsy, have no doubt you or your child can do yoga!

Like typical people in our society, people with CP often spend more time sitting than moving. Yoga is a chance to move all their joints, coordinate balance and work on strength and flexibility.

Working to coordinate movement with breath is the first step, allowing relaxation of the muscles and improved digestion and sleep.

What happens in the class?

We will work towards a full Hatha yoga class that includes singing, yoga poses, breathing techniques, eye exercises and a deep relaxation.

We go into class with no expectations but to connect, have fun, and relax body and mind!

However, over time the practices can have a very profound and deep effect on all the body's systems, brain chemistry and the emotions.

What if a child or adult is severely affected by CP?

Rest assured, however severely CP may be physically compromising, yoga can help holistically.

Yoga can be very powerful as simple, gentle joint movements executed in harmony with the breath. This practice can be profound for those with CP - the inner peace of mind and connection to the heart - the very essence of why we practice yoga.

Gradually stretching the body, opening space for the lungs and stimulating digestion is soothing for body and mind.

The Science

The latest neuroscience research finds that those with cerebral palsy…

Physical benefits:

  1. Full workout and extension for the spine and improved posture

  2. Increased strength and mobility

  3. Boost in blood circulation, providing increased oxygen and nutrients around the body

  4. Twists and compressions balancing the digestive system and nervous system

Mental benefits:

  1. Deepening and lengthening the breath during class calms the emotions and mental chatter

  2. Yoga oxygenates the brain…

  3. Practicing focus and concentration improves it off the mat too

  4. Proven better coordination and memory

Let’s go step-by-step!

Message me today for a free 20-minute discovery call and to learn more about an evaluation session.

I’m looking forward to connecting with you!

Testimonials

  • "I always feel great after my yoga session. I have some physical issues that mean I am almost permanently in a wheelchair. It feels great to get out of my wheelchair and to be supported by Laura in doing my yoga. It relaxes both my body and mind. It also helps with my breathing, which at times is difficult for me to do. When the staff team let me know I'm going to yoga, I'm always excited. I've never not wanted to attend because I enjoy it so much."

    Keith, Kentish Town

  • "Aaron had a fantastic one-to-one session. Laura was able to get him fully focused and engaged in all the yoga poses. A triumph, as new things are not always enjoyable for him. Laura was very patient and gave Aaron much needed time to grasp what to do."

    Brigette, carer

  • "I do yoga with Laura. She helps me with stretching and yoga poses. Yoga makes me happy."

    George, Archway

  • "My son Hewitt gained a lot on stretching and body movements. He has severe epilepsy on top of autism and learning disabilies. Yoga has helped him to keep his mobility, flexibility and maintain his quality of life. With the patience of Laura, he could enjoy the time in class and had smiles and satisfaction. Thank you Laura."

    Josephine, mother

  • "Adam really enjoyed the classes both in person and also via Zoom. He was looking forward to them and managed to relax despite his pronounced ADHD."

    Dorota, Islington