Free Yoga Therapy Sessions for Parkinson’s and Other Neuro-motor Degenerative Disorders
Transform your wellbeing with AUM hOMe Shala’s weekly group classes, available both on-site and via Zoom. Designed to support individuals managing Parkinson’s and other neuro-motor degenerative conditions, along with their dedicated caregivers/care partners. This transformative program is generously supported by a community grant from the Parkinson’s Foundation.
Benefits of Yoga Therapy for Parkinson’s Disease
AUM hOMe Shala offers specialized yoga therapy programs tailored for individuals with Parkinson’s, multiple sclerosis, and other neuro-motor degenerative disorders, including dementia, dementia with Lewy bodies, and Alzheimer’s. Our programs are designed to:
- Manage conditions effectively
- Reduce symptoms and chronic pain
- Restore balance
- Increase mobility and vitality
Our approach integrates customized protocols of asanas, breathing techniques, relaxation methods, and meditation. Recent research published in JAMA Neurology highlights the benefits of yoga, meditation, and mindful breathing in reducing anxiety and depression among individuals with Parkinson’s. At AUM hOMe Shala, our carefully curated series of classes serves as a complementary therapy alongside conventional medical treatments, offering holistic support to those affected by Parkinson’s and other movement disorders.
For more information on our yoga therapy programs for Parkinson’s and related conditions, visit AUM hOMe Shala today.
Integrated Parkinson’s Wellness Classes: Yoga, Tai Chi, Qigong, EFT, Sound Therapy
On-site Bilingual Classes with our Alper JCC Miami community partner located at 11155 SW 112th Ave, Miami, FL 33176
Discover specialized wellness sessions designed to support Parkinson’s management, featuring Yoga techniques curated by expert Yoga Therapist Grisell Gonzalez.
Schedule: Saturdays, 3-4pm (Eastern Time) / 11am-12pm (Pacific Time)
Sept. 7 & 21, Oct. 5 & 19, Nov. 2 & 16 and Dec. 7, 2024
Jan. 11 & 25; Feb. 8 & 22; March 8 & 15; April 5 & 26; and May 3 & 10, 2025
Enhance well-being and manage Parkinson’s symptoms effectively with our transformative sessions. Reserve your spot today!
Twice monthly at the JCC, our sessions foster stress resilience and self-regulation skills, restoring balance, enhancing mobility, and promoting overall health. Our program caters to varying stages of Parkinson’s disease, supporting both patients and caregivers.
Parkinson’s Caregiver Mental Health Support: Zoom Sessions
Saturday, October 12, December 14, 2024
Saturday, March 15 & May 17, 2025
2-3pm (Eastern Time) / 11am-12pm (Pacific Time)
with Dr. Ghada Osman
Explore the transformative benefits of yoga therapy with Dr. Ghada Osman, a distinguished expert educated at Harvard. Join our complimentary Zoom sessions to delve into the psychological well-being of Parkinson’s Disease (PD) patients and their caregivers. Dr. Osman will highlight PD’s profound impact on mental and emotional health, offering customized yoga practices to support caregivers.
Dr. Osman’s expertise will empower you to understand and address the unique challenges faced by PD patients and their caregivers.
Don’t miss this chance to deepen your understanding of PD’s mental health effects and rejuvenate with personalized yoga practices. Secure your spot now on our website.
Yoga Nidra for Parkinson’s: Sleep & Mental Well-being
Schedule: Tuesdays, 7-8pm (Eastern Time)/ 4-5pm (Pacific Time)
- Sept. 3, Oct. 1, Nov. 5, Dec. 3, 2024
- Jan. 7, Feb. 4, March 4, April 1, May 6, June 3, 2025
Discover the therapeutic benefits of Yoga Nidra tailored for managing Parkinson’s Disease (PD) sleep disturbances and promoting overall mental well-being. Led by experienced Yoga Therapist Dawn Loftin, this monthly online session includes:
- Deep Relaxation Practices: Alleviate chronic pain and improve sleep quality.
- High Blood Pressure Management: Learn effective Yoga Nidra techniques.
Explore strategies to address non-motor symptoms such as cognitive decline, sleep issues, pain management, and emotional challenges like depression, anxiety, and impulse control associated with Parkinson’s. The class incorporates non-motor and fine-motor movement exercises for anxiety relief, stress reduction, joint and gland health, along with meditation techniques.
Recent studies indicate that Yoga Nidra meditation can significantly increase dopamine delivery by up to 65% in brain regions crucial for Parkinson’s management.
Breathwork for Respiratory Health & Speech Disorders
Tuesdays, 7-8pm (Eastern Time) / 4-5pm (Pacific Time)
- Sept. 10, Oct. 8, Nov. 12, Dec. 10, 2024
- Jan. 14, Feb. 11, March 11, April 8, May 13, June 10, 2025
Curated and led by Yoga Therapist Adam Flores, this monthly online session focuses on mindful breathing techniques to enhance respiratory health and cognition. Participants will develop greater lung capacity and learn to effectively utilize breath for body movement. The class protocols specifically address symptoms of speech and voice disorders associated with Parkinson’s Disease, including soft, monotone, breathy, hoarse voice, and uncertain articulation. Join us to address respiratory concerns and improve speech with tailored expert guidance.
Digestive Health & Breathwork for Parkinson’s: Managing Gut Symptoms
Tuesdays, 7-8pm (Eastern Time) / 4-5pm (Pacific Time)
- Sept. 17, Oct. 15, Nov. 19, Dec. 17, 2024
- Jan. 21, Feb. 18, March 18, April 15, May 20, June 17, 2025
Join our monthly online class to manage Parkinson’s Disease (PD) symptoms through breathwork for digestive health. Learn about the link between gut microbiota and PD. Discover how diet and nutrition interventions can improve Parkinson’s progression and medication effects. This class targets digestive issues like constipation and gastric discomfort using postures, breathing, and meditation. Benefits include stress reduction, stimulating digestion, and enhancing rest and relaxation.
Mental Health for Parkinson’s: Mindfulness and Meditation
Tuesdays, 4:30–5:30pm (Eastern Time) / 1:15-5:45pm (Pacific) / Bilingual
- Sept. 24, Oct. 22 & 29, 2024
- Jan. 28, Feb. 25, March 25, April 22 & 29, May 27, 2025
Led by Yoga Therapist Grisell Gonzalez, join our bilingual online class focusing on managing Parkinson’s symptoms. Addressing anxiety, depression, trauma/PTSD related to falling fears, and cognitive challenges, this class supports newly diagnosed and progressive PD patients. Learn mindfulness, meditation, cognitive exercises, and guided auditory techniques to enhance well-being and reduce chronic pain.
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
To tailor our protocols to your specific needs, each participant must complete an online intake form and pre/post-assessment. Need assistance? contact us.
In English:
En español:
Become certified working with this population and enroll in our award winning Yoga Therapy for PD and other neuro-motor degenerative disorders, click here.
Testimonials from Our Parkinson’s Yoga Therapy Students
“These classes are a lifeline for us as shut-ins, crucial for my husband’s mental and emotional health.” —D. C.
“The instructor’s knowledge of Parkinson’s is impressive, and the free classes are greatly appreciated.” —J. W.
“As a Parkinson’s patient, these classes have improved my stability, balance, and overall well-being.” —R. O.
“[Grisell] is a caring and knowledgeable instructor. This program is invaluable for managing Parkinson’s symptoms.” —J. Y.
“The teachers are excellent, explaining and correcting us to improve our skills.” —C. G.
“[The classes] are so beneficial that I wish more people with PD knew about them.” —D. C.
“Grisell’s class was a ‘breath of fresh air’ during these challenging times. Her care and professionalism shine through.” —J. B.
“They are magicians! Their dedication is evident in every session.” —G. L.
“This class inspired me to try new things and lifted my spirits.” —A. H.
“After two months, my neurologist noted improvements in my voice and movement.” —M. M.
“These sessions have made a significant difference in my Parkinson’s and anxiety.” —M. R.
“Thanks to AUM hOMe Shala, I feel I am winning the battle with Parkinson’s.” —A. L.
“This exercise program is diverse and stimulating, encouraging regular participation.” —D. C.
“Very calming, decreased tension and anxiety — exactly what I needed!” —M. R.
“Yoga therapy has brought more balance and calm into my life.” —O. V.
“This program has helped me transition through many stages of Parkinson’s Disease.” —M. M.
“My teachers are the best! This program has given me confidence and improved my physical well-being.” —J. D.
“Getting stronger, and my balance has improved.” —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.
Your feedback is very important to us. Submit your course evaluation here!
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, C-IAYT, E-RYT 500, 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, B.A., C-IAYT, E-RYT 500, is a yoga therapist with a degree in Art History from the University of Washington. She has earned a 1,000-Hour Clinical Yoga Therapy Certification and a 500-Hour Yoga Teacher Training Certification from AUM Home Shala in Florida, as well as a 200-Hour Yoga and Meditation Teaching Certification from Ananda Washington. Grisell specializes in yoga therapy for Parkinson’s disease, neuroplasticity, and spinal health conditions. She also has expertise in Tai Chi and Qigong for health.
Anthony Connell, B.A., C-IAYT, E-RYT 500, 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, LMFT, PYT, C-IAYT, E-RYT® 500, is a yoga teacher, yoga therapist, psychotherapist, and author of Mental and Emotional Healing Through Yoga: A Guiding Framework for Therapists and their Clients. She has worked with a wide range of populations, from college students to hospice patients, and currently is full-time faculty, clinical supervisor, and lead of a large mental health counseling program in a community college district in San Diego County, California. In her private practice, her specialties include helping clients cope with a emotional health concerns including trauma, anxiety, depression, PTSD, eating disorders and substance abuse 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. She holds a doctorate degree in philosophy from Harvard University and a master’s in psychology from Chapman University.
Dawn A. Loftin, B.S., M.A., C-IAYT, E-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, C-IAYT, E-RYT®500, YACEP®, 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 conducted via Zoom. To join, students need to set up a free Zoom account. Follow these steps:
- Set up a free account by following this link.
- Visit the Zoom website and click on ‘Plans & Pricing’ at the top left.
- Select ‘Basic Personal Meeting Free’ from the drop-down menu.
- Follow the prompts to complete your account setup. After registration, we will send you a Zoom invitation link for class access. Simply click the link at the scheduled time to join.