Free Yoga Therapy Sessions for Parkinson’s and Other Neuro-motor Degenerative Disorders
Enhancing Physical, Nutritional, and Emotional Wellbeing! Join our weekly group classes, now available via on-site and ZOOM, to foster the overall health of individuals living with Parkinson’s and other neuro-motor degenerative conditions, along with their dedicated caregivers/care partners. This transformative program is made possible through a generous community grant awarded by the esteemed Parkinson’s Foundation.
According to a recent study in JAMA Neurology, yoga with meditation and mindful breathing helps decrease anxiety and depression in people with Parkinson’s. Our select series of classes offers a leading complementary therapy to the medical treatments available for those affected by Parkinson’s and other movement disorders.
Become certified working with this population and enroll in our award winning Yoga Therapy for PD and other neuro-motor degenerative disorders, click here.
On-site Classes with our Alper JCC Miami community partner located at 11155 SW 112th Ave, Miami, FL 33176
Yoga Therapy for Parkinson’s Motor-movement Symptoms with Yoga Therapist Grisell Gonzalez: On-site at the JCC, twice/month includes building stress resilience and self-regulation skills to restore balance and increase mobility and improve overall health and well-being while adapting and modifying to meet the needs of different stages of PD for both patient and care partner.
Saturdays, 2-3pm (EST): January 13 & 27, 2024; February 10 & 24, 2024; March 2 & 9, 2024; April 6 & 20, 2024; and May 4, 11, 18, & 25, 2024
Parkinson’s Mental Health Class for Caregivers on Zoom!
January 20, 2024: 4:30-5:30pm (EST)
Experience a Complimentary Zoom Sessions: Gain Insights from Harvard-Educated Yoga Therapist, Dr. Ghada Osman, on the Psychological Well-being of PD Patients and Care Partners. Discover Tailored Yoga Practices for Caregivers.
Discover the transformative power of yoga therapy with Dr. Ghada Osman, a distinguished Harvard-educated expert. Join us for two enlightening lecture and practice sessions on Zoom, completely free of charge. Dr. Osman will shed light on the profound impact of Parkinson’s Disease (PD) on both individuals diagnosed and their care partners, focusing on mental and emotional well-being.
During these sessions, participants will not only gain valuable knowledge but also engage in a specially designed Yoga practice aimed at nurturing and supporting caretakers. Dr. Osman’s expertise and unique approach will empower you to better understand and address the challenges faced by both PD patients and their care partners.
Don’t miss this opportunity to enhance your understanding of PD’s mental and emotional health implications while rejuvenating your own well-being through tailored Yoga practices. Secure your spot now on our website.
Note: Limited availability, so book your spot early to avoid disappointment.
Weekly ZOOM Classes
Yoga Nidra (Yoga Sleep) for Parkinson Symptoms with Yoga Therapist Dawn Loftin: A monthly on-line includes effective ways to work with non-motor symptoms such as cognitive decline, sleep difficulties, pain, and emotional health disturbances such as depression, anxiety and impulse control associated with Parkinson’s. Non-motor and fine-motor movement for decreased anxiety, depression and stress relief including joint and gland exercises, and meditation techniques. Studies indicate that during Yoga Nidra meditation, an increase of up to 65% in delivery of dopamine can occur in parts of the brain relevant to PD.
Tuesdays, 4:30–5:30 pm (EST): January 2; February 6; March 5; April 2; May 7; and June 4, 2024
Yoga Therapy for PD Respiratory Symptoms with Yoga Therapist Adam Flores: A monthly on-line includes mindful breathing for respiratory health and improved cognition and the need for patients to develop greater lung capacity and to effectively use the breath to move the body. Protocols address PD symptoms of speech and voice disorders, including soft, monotone, breathy and hoarse voice, and uncertain articulation.
Tuesdays, 4:30–5:30 pm (EST): January 9; February 13; March 12; April 9; May 14; and June 11, 2024
Yoga Therapy for Parkinson Mental Health Symptoms with Yoga Therapist Grisell Gonzalez: A monthly on-line includes anxiety, depression, trauma/PTSD from the risk and fear of falling and cognitive challenges. Supports PD patients who are newly diagnosed and those dealing with progressive symptoms to manage their condition, delay/reduce symptoms and decrease chronic pain.
Tuesdays, 4:30–5:30 pm (EST) Bilingual: January 16; February 20; March 19; April 16; May 21; and June 18, 2024
Yoga Therapy for Parkinson’s Digestion Symptoms with Yoga Therapist Adam Flores: A monthly on-line class includes recognizing a strong correlation between gut microbiota and PD. Studies suggest that the variety of gastrointestinal tract symptoms and conditions experienced by patients “may be associated with the underlying pathophysiological origins of the disease”. Evidence suggests that diet is important in Parkinson development and progression and that nutrition interventions could also improve the bioavailability and pharmacological effects of current medication. This class is designed to help alleviate digestive issues such as constipation and general gastric discomfort often experienced by people with Parkinson’s. The practice is intended to work on a physical level by stimulating internal digestive organs and the peristalsis (digestive movement) through various postures, breathing, and meditation techniques. Additional benefits are calming down the sympathetic nervous system, decreasing stress levels, and activating the parasympathetic nervous system which helps you to rest and digest.
Tuesdays, 4:30–5:30 pm (EST): January 23; February 27; March 26; April 23; May 28; and June 25, 2024
Our classes are open to Spanish speakers. We provide bilingual assistance for those who need it. Nuestros cursos están abierto a hispanohablantes. Ofrecemos servicios de traducción para todos que los necesitan.
How to Participate
Each participant who would like for us to tailor our protocols to specifically meet their needs must complete an online intake form and pre/post-assessment. If you need assistance, contact us.
In English:
En español:
Your feedback is very important to us. Submit your course evaluation here!
Donations are never expected, but always appreciated.
How Yoga Makes a Difference for Parkinson’s
Yoga therapy has a proven ability to improve physical health and overall well-being for individuals with Parkinson’s, multiple sclerosis, and other neuro-motor degenerative disorders, as well as dementia, dementia with Lewy bodies, Alzheimer’s and other related conditions and challenges. Yoga therapy can help both those who are newly diagnosed and those dealing with progressive symptoms to:
- Manage their condition
- Reduce symptoms
- Decrease chronic pain
- Restore balance
- Increase mobility and vitality.
AUM hOMe Shala has a proven record in designing successful programs using a customized protocol of asanas, breathing, relaxation, and meditation.
Also consider joining us for a MELT Method® private session. MELT is a simple yet revolutionary approach to health and fitness that can help immensely with the management of PD symptoms. Private sessions are completely individualized and designed to meet your specific needs.
What our Parkinson’s Students are saying about our Yoga Therapy for PD classes:
“We are so greatful for your virtual Parkinson’s support options. We are shut ins and these types of classes are so important to my husband’s menti and emotional health.” —D. C.
“I appreciate that I can attend these classes free of charge. … The instructor is very knowledgeable about Parkinson’s.” —J. W.
“Como paciente de Parkinson aprecio sobremanera estas clases, ya que he podido superar muchos aspectos importantes en mi vida como son. Caminar mas estable con mejor balance y postura tengo la posibilidad de hacer todos los ejercicios que la profesora nos enseña, conocer como respirar mejor, como quitarme la ansiedad, dormir mejor, como sentarme y pararme, estimular los musculos de la voz en fin realmente ha sido todo muy beneficioso.” —R. O.
Translation: “As a Parkinson’s patient I greatly appreciate these classes, since I have been able to overcome many important aspects in my life, for example now I’m walking more stable with better balance and posture. I have the possibility of doing all the exercises that the teacher teaches us, knowing how to breathe better, how to get rid of anxiety, sleep better, how to sit and stand, stimulate the muscles of the voice. Everything has been very beneficial.” —R. O.
“It is a concrete and effective help to mobilize my body and its joints harmoniously.” —C. S.
“[Grisell] is a professional, knowledgeable instructor who truly cares about the wellbeing of her students. … I believe this program is extremely beneficial to address the negative symptoms of Parkinson’s disease.” —J. Y.
“Todas las profesoras, Grisell, Tiffany y Melissa han sido excelentes. Explican muy bien, nos corrigen y eso nos ayuda a mejorar como hacemos los ejercicios y así en nuestras habilidades. … Muy agradecida de haber tenido la oportunidad de participar en yoga terapia para Parkinson y espero seguir participando.” —C. G.
“[The classes] are so good that I only wish more folks with PD knew about and participated in them.” —D. C.
“We will agree that these are challenging times. Most, if not all, of the Parkinson’s Support Exercise programs which are so important to people like me, who have the disease, have been stopped until further notice. To be able to take Grisell’s class was physically beneficial and a ‘breath of fresh air’ in the midst of continuous bad news. Grisell is an extremely caring, knowledgeable and professional therapist and her teachings are reflective of each of those qualities.” —J. B.
“They are magicians! Every session is special and their heart goes straight into everything they do.” —G. L.
“This class made me more willing to try new things—[and I] stopped feeling sorry for myself.” —A. H.
“I have more control, less falling. After taking the class for two months, when I visited my neurologist he found that my voice and movement had improved.” —M. M.
“These sessions have helped me tremendously. They are making a
difference for me with my Parkinson’s and anxiety. … I feel grounded and relaxed now.” —M. R.
“I want to thank AUM hOMe Shala for changing my life. When I was diagnosed with epilepsy, it knocked me off my feet. But when I was diagnosed with PD, I saw no solution. Though I am still concerned about my future, with your help, I feel I am winning the battle. The clinical trial you have provided me has given back my life and given me confidence that I am winning the battle. After the evaluation and two classes, I saw substantial improvements: Now I can drink from a glass with my right hand, enjoy soup with a spoon, write legibly, balance better, type on my keyboard, and I have much less anxiety and depression.” —A. L.
“Aum Home Shala offers exercise program for individuals with Parkinson’s Disease and combines various wellness strategies: yoga, Tai Chi, etc., in different combinations for each session. The resulting variety stimulates regular participation in the exercise program and also may encourage participants to explore one or more of these disciplines in greater depth.” —D. C.
“Very calming, decrease of tension/anxiety … just what I needed!” —M. R.
“Yoga therapy helps me with my condition. I experience more balance and calm. It’s a wonderful class and the therapists are so nice and knowledgeable.” —O. V.
“I highly recommend this program for anyone with Parkinson’s Disease … It has helped me transition through many stages of this illness.” —M. M.
“My teachers are top notch—the best! This life-changing program provides confidence, better physical well-being, and greatly improves my ability to deal with my PD. The love present in this program is amazing.” —J. D.
“Getting stronger, balance has been improving.” —E. A.
Please note: The yoga therapy components of our course are based on IAYT accreditation, not derived from our status as an RYS® with Yoga Alliance Registry.
Further Resources
- Aum also offers free group classes on a rotating variety of topics, including Neuroplasticity and Yoga Therapy for Neuro-Motor Degenerative Disorders.
- View Emotional Health Matters: Incorporating Practices for Mental Health Symptoms in Practices for Parkinson’s Patients, a lecture by Ghada Osman.
- Are you a yoga teacher or therapist who’s interested in working with this population? Find out about our Teacher Training in Yoga for Parkinson’s and Other Neuro-Motor Degenerative Disorders.
- We’re also offering pre-recorded Zoom sessions for caregivers and yoga teachers who want to learn more about yoga for this population, including the psychological aspects. Email us to find out more.
Our Yoga Therapy for Parkinson’s Team!
Melinda Atkins, M.ED, MSc, E-RYT 500, C-IAYT, is the founding director of AUM hOMe Shala, where she trains yoga teachers and yoga therapists. She completed her Professional Level training at Kripalu, received her Clinical Yoga Therapy certification at Loyola Marymount University, and is certified in the MELT Method® for myofascial release. Her yoga therapy practice focuses on neuro-degenerative disorders and other chronic conditions and disabilities. Melinda also develops and directs yoga programs for at-risk youth in inner-city Miami schools. She holds a master’s degree in educational administration from the University of Florida and a Master of Science in pharmacy from the University of Maryland.
Grisell B. Gonzalez, E-RYT 500, C-IAYT, is a yoga therapist with a degree in art history from the University of Washington. She received her 1,000-Hour Clinical Yoga Therapy Certification and her 500-Hour Yoga Teacher Training Certification from AUM hOMe Shala, and earned her 200-hour yoga teaching certification at Ananda Washington. Grisell specializes in working with Parkinson’s and neuro-motor degenerative disorders. She is the founder of Inner Joy Yoga & Meditation, where she shares her knowledge of yoga therapy, meditation, tai chi for health, and Pilates. Yoga has been a part of her life for more than 20 years, and inspires her to live each moment more mindfully.
Anthony Connell, E-RYT 500, C-IAYT, is a graduate of Florida International University with a degree in psychology and is the Clinical Director of AUM hOMe Shala’s Yoga Therapy Program, as well as the Assistant Director of the 200-Hour Yoga Teacher Training Program. Tony teaches the tremor and psychological impacts of the Neuro-motor Degenerative Disorder module, as well as the adrenal glands portion of the Endocrine Module in Aum hOMe Shala’s Yoga Therapy Program. Tony began his practice in 2002 after being ill as a teenager, and loves to share the benefits of yoga for maintaining balance, alleviating stress, and increasing self-esteem.
Ghada Osman, PhD, PYT, LMFT, RYT 500, C-IAYT, a yoga teacher, yoga therapist, psychotherapist, and AFAA-certified aerobics instructor, has worked with a wide range of populations, from college students to hospice patients. In her private practice, her specialties include helping clients cope with physical illness, heart conditions in particular, using yoga as a healing modality. Ghada earned her 500-hour yoga teacher certification at Kripalu Center for Yoga & Health, and is also trained in Street Yoga (designed for underserved populations) and Phoenix Rising Yoga Therapy. A former faculty member for San Diego State University, she holds a doctorate degree in philosophy from Harvard University and a master’s in psychology from Chapman University. Dr. Osman is the author of Mental and Emotional Healing for Yoga: A Guiding Framework for Therapists and Their Clients, available on Amazon.
Dawn A. Loftin, M.A., C-IAYT, E-RYT 200, RYT 500, Ayurveda Yoga Specialist, Relax & Renew® Trainer, completed her 500-Hour RYT Training and clinical yoga therapy practicum with AUM hOMe Shala in 2017. As a faculty member, Dawn facilitates the Shala’s on-line Yoga Nidra class. Additionally, Dawn teaches a gentle yoga class for Parkinson’s and other neuro-motor diseases on-site at Lake Norman Muay Thai/Rock Steady Boxing in Mooresville, NC.
Adam Flores, Licensed CCPA, E-RYT®500, YACEP®, C-IAYT, is a dedicated yogi with over 20 years of experience. His journey began in childhood and led him to complete his initial teacher training with Laughing Lotus in NYC. Alongside his love for herbal medicine, Adam taught yoga privately while embarking on a mission to serve diverse communities. With a focus on cancer patients and low-income families in the Caribbean, Adam educated them on incorporating Ayurvedic principles into their lives for improved health and happiness. Currently residing in the Treasure Coast, he serves as a chiropractic assistant and applies yogic principles to develop therapeutic somatic programs for detox and rehabilitation facilities. Adam holds an E-RYT 500 certification from Atmananda Miami and is a registered YACEP with the Yoga Alliance. Additionally, he completed his Yoga Therapy training at Aum Home Shala. His true passion lies in guiding individuals to cultivate a yoga practice that feels like home, while utilizing yoga as a catalyst for personal empowerment and social activism. Adam’s primary focus is on providing free yoga and yoga therapy services to marginalized groups, including homeless LGBTQ+ youth, individuals in drug rehabilitation and transitional housing programs, and incarcerated transgender individuals.
Classes are offered via Zoom. To participate, students must first set up a free Zoom Account. To do so, follow these simple directions:
1. Set up a free account by following this link.
2. Once you arrive at the Zoom website, click the link Plans & Pricing at the top of the page on the left side.
3. A drop-down menu will appear; click on Basic Personal Meeting Free.
4. Follow the prompts to set up your account. Once you register, we will send you a Zoom invitation link to join the class. At the designated time, all you will have to do is click the link to connect.