Somatic Movement Practitioner.
Integrative Yoga Facilitator.
Intercultural Competence Trainer.
Interdisciplinary Researcher.
+44 74933 97563
Navigating Parkinson’s with
Yoga & Somatic Practice
Your body is the compass.
Your breath, the steady guide.
This path is yours to follow — with strength, grace, humour, and growing awareness.
Research Insights
Living with Parkinson’s disease presents unique challenges, but a growing body of research suggests that integrating yoga and somatic-based practices into daily life can offer meaningful support for physical mobility, emotional well-being, and overall quality of life. Systematic reviews and meta-analyses highlight improvements in motor symptoms, balance, mood, and functional mobility following yoga-based interventions (Mailankody et al., 2021; Ban et al., 2021; Suárez-Iglesias et al., 2022). In a randomized clinical trial, mindfulness yoga was also shown to reduce psychological distress and enhance both motor and non-motor functioning in individuals with mild to moderate Parkinson’s disease (Kwok et al., 2019). These findings point to the potential of embodied, holistic approaches as valuable complements to conventional care.
References
Ban, H., Kim, M.J. & Kim, S.H., 2021. Effects of yoga on motor function, balance, and quality of life in Parkinson’s disease: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. Journal of Clinical Medicine, 10(15), 3308. Available at: https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm10153308 [Accessed 1 July 2025]. Kwok, J.Y.Y., Kwan, J.C.Y., Auyeung, M., Mok, V.C.T., Lau, C.K.Y., Choi, K.C., Chan, H.Y.L., 2019. Effects of mindfulness yoga vs stretching and resistance training exercises on anxiety and depression for people with Parkinson’s disease: A randomized clinical trial. JAMA Neurology, 76(7), pp.755–763. Available at: https://doi.org/10.1001/jamaneurol.2019.0534 [Accessed 12 August 2024]. Mailankody, P., Varambally, S., Thennarasu, K. & Pal, P.K., 2021. The rationale of yoga in Parkinson’s disease: A critical review. Neurology India, 69(5), pp.1165–1175. Available at: https://doi.org/10.4103/0028-3886.327355 [Accessed 31 July 2025]. Suárez-Iglesias, D., Martínez-Aldao, D., Ayán, C., 2022. Effects of yoga on motor and non-motor symptoms in Parkinson’s disease: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 19(17), 10647. Available at: https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph191710647 [Accessed 1 June 2025].
Yoga and Somatic Support for
Parkinson’s Mobility and Well-being.
Mobility and Balance
Mobility issues have significant implications for fall risk in individuals with Parkinson’s disease. Regular yoga practice has been shown to aid functional mobility, strength, flexibility, and balance. Yoga asanas (poses) targeting the hip extensor, knee extensor, and ankle plantar flexor—muscles that support the centre of gravity during movement—may help build lower-body strength and improve postural stability (Roland, 2015).
Yoga also involves isometric muscle contractions (where muscle length and joint angle do not change) to maintain poses. During transitions between asanas, the movement patterns may mimic isokinetic contractions (where muscle length changes under constant tension). These mechanisms may underlie yoga’s ability to enhance muscular strength (Roland, 2015).
Flexibility
Parkinson’s disease impairs automatic motor control, which can lead to postural changes due to the absence of unconscious cues to stand upright. These changes may include rounded shoulders, a reduced curve in the lower back, or a forward tilt of the head or body, resulting in a hunched appearance. If rigidity affects one side, the body may lean in that direction, creating muscular tension on the opposite side. Limited lower-back mobility can also cause movements to initiate from the head or chest rather than the hips, further contributing to a stooped posture (Parkinson's Foundation, 2025).
Addressing rigidity through enhanced flexibility and range-of-motion (ROM) is therefore important. Yoga can help improve ROM in the shoulders, hips, and spine. Since a stooped posture is often linked to shortened spinal flexors and weakened extensors, improving strength and mobility in these areas may support a more upright stance (Roland, 2015). Improved hip mobility may also help reduce the shuffling gait often associated with Parkinson’s disease (Roland, 2015).
Increased Body Awareness
Somatic practices emphasise the interconnection between mind and body, helping individuals tune into their movements and physical or emotional sensations. This increased awareness can support coordination and greater control over bodily actions (Roland, 2015).
Enhanced Emotional Well-being and Support for Non-Motor Symptoms
Beyond its physical benefits, yoga and somatic practices can support the management of non-motor symptoms commonly experienced in Parkinson’s disease, such as sleep disturbances, fatigue, and anxiety (Roland, 2015). When combined with meditation, guided relaxation, and pranayama (breathwork), yoga has been shown to improve sleep quality, boost energy levels, and reduce anxiety by stimulating the parasympathetic nervous system (Kwok et al., 2019; Pooja, Shivarama, Thennarasu, & Kumar Pal, 2021). These practices may also enhance confidence and self-efficacy. Additionally, group-based classes offer psychosocial benefits—for example, a sense of support and connection.
Individual Support Services
I offer personalised yoga and somatic movement sessions tailored to the unique needs of individuals with Parkinson’s disease.
These one-on-one sessions focus on:
• Adapted Movement Practices: Gentle yoga poses and somatic exercises to support mobility.
• Breathing Techniques: Exercises to enhance respiratory function and reduce stress.
• Mindfulness and Relaxation: Practices to promote mental clarity, emotional balance, and overall well-being.
• Education and Empowerment: Guidance on incorporating these practices into daily routines for sustained benefits.
