It’s best to start movement and yoga therapy as soon as you are diagnosed with Parkinson's. The earlier you start and the more consistent you are with using the techniques, the more successful you will be in relieving symptoms and calming the progression of symptoms.

This work dovetails well with other sources of exercise and treatments.

Rather than simply focusing on muscles, movement therapy and yoga for Parkinson’s disease encompasses bio-tensegrity of the fascia. Tensegrity is the continuous and changing tension spread through the body with our movements and that keeps us balanced, flexible and responsive to stress.

Think of a dancer or martial artist using whole-body movements that strengthen and prevent injuries. This kind of movement is not just for these “movement advanced” people. We all need to claim tensegrity to move and live with optimum health and vitality.

You should always consult your doctor before starting an exercise, fitness or mindfulness program.

“Somatic Movement Therapy” also known as “Embodiment Therapy” allows you to access wisdom stored in the body by freeing the body from stress, trauma, constraints and habitual tensions. These tensions are often created by adverse experiences, physical injuries, trauma, illness, grief, cultural and personal habits and even developmental stages that you may have skipped as a baby.

Embodiment therapy involves making intentional, gentle movements while focusing on the internal experience of the movement. This process unifies your body and mind and attunes you to your physical, emotional and mental needs.

Embodiment therapy relieves habitual and long-held blockages and constrictions, creating clarity and helping you make better choices about your well-being.

You will experience being alive, aware and present in your body. A way to think of it is… Embodiment is to the body what meditation is to the mind.

Embodiment removes the movement challenges and limitations that make Parkinson’s harder. It is inherently calming and unifying of the body-mind. There is also a lot of practical learning of the dynamics of turning, balancing, reaching and walking, and maintaining balance.

It is a kind of moving meditation that offers mindfulness and mind quieting.

Over a lifetime, every person develops a series of movement habits based on posture, health, injuries, and a multitude of lifestyle factors, including career, sports and hobbies undertaken. As we age, the effects of these repetitive movements become more entrenched, and for those living with Parkinson’s disease, can make movement painful and more pronounced.

Unwinding these habits gives your body a chance to rebalance, creating more strength, agility, and resilience.

These classes/sessions improve coordination, dexterity, strength, balance, motor control, gait, and rapidity. They also help you generate the emotional resiliency you need to face this disease. Results vary from person to person. It takes time for the body and mind to get used to new ways of moving better. This is also why it’s important to begin therapy immediately upon diagnosis.

At the beginning we check-in, so, even though this is online, there is friendship, support and comradery created between classmates. Classes are often very relaxing, even when they are challenging. Classes go for 1 hour and 15 minutes. 

Participants can prepare by having:

• Comfortable clothing.
• A chair where you can sit in comfortably without slouching.
• Space to stand up and move around.
• A computer that allows for you to see me and me to see you. 

It’s good if you have personal space and a quiet environment without distractions.

The classes are recorded. If you miss one and wish to take part, you can access these. However, being with other people is one of the biggest benefits of the class. The mirroring effect is highly beneficial for people with Parkinson’s and this happens in a group environment. 

Yes! As well as online sessions, I offer private in-person movement therapy and yoga for Parkinson's in Easthampton. 

I also see clients living in Northampton, Florence, Amherst, South Hadley, Greenfield, Whately, Hatfield, Sunderland, Deerfield, Holyoke & Haydenville. 

You are welcome to use your private sessions online via zoom or visit me in Easthampton, MA to work in person. 

Please note that the weekly Yoga Lab group sessions for People with Parkinson's are only available online via zoom.