Why it works: Yoga is a combination of poses, breathing, and meditation. A research has found that adding yoga to stroke rehabilitation helps recovery. It allows stroke survivors to gain strength, increase flexibility, and improve balance which leads to better independence with daily activities.
How it works: Start with a few easy poses including Savasana (corpse pose) and Pranayama (breathing poses).
Do Savasana by lying on your back with your arms relaxed at your sides. Use this pose to quiet your internal chatter and let go of any negative and frustrating thoughts that often come up during the rehabilitation process.
Pranayama is the practice of breath control. A special type of pranayama called Anulom Vilom Pranayama (alternate nostril breathing) can be very benefical for stroke survivors. To practice this exercise, first sit in a comfortable position and clear your mind. Then, using any one of your fingers to plug your right nostril and breathe in through your left nostril. Take a full, deep breath. Then, plug the left nostril, release the right nostril, and exhale through the right nostril. Repeat this process continuously, giving each side one full inhale and exhale.
The self cure remedy of Do yoga for the care and relief of Stroke has an effectiveness score of 3.8 and a popularity score of 6 on the self-cure system.