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I've been wondering if anyone has any thoughts/insights on whether or not inverted yoga poses are a good thing for people with CCSVI/MS. I can't do headstand due to neck problems, but shoulderstand is done quite often at the yoga class I attend. We hold the pose for about 5 mins or so. I've started to think about the implications for blood flow, reflux etc.

Your thoughts would be appreciated.

Well; interesting thought. But I picture ("I") the blood 'pool' before the stenosis as a kind of clot of 'mud' stagnating there and that cant be well drained/diluted because the bottleneck in the vein.
Now if I reverse the picture; Newton and his gravity would tend to have that mud refluxing (?) to the brain??

dunno; for sure; but interesting

Hi pamf,

It seems counter-intuitive for me personally. I would not be able to handle the spinning that would ensue. Things like cerebral venous angiomae also come frighteningly to mind. If you find no ill effect, and even benefit, why not?

Hello Pamf,
So happy to see someone here doing yoga! I have similar questions about the inversions. My common sense says no, however I really like shoulder stands, but for now am avoiding them.
I am going to research some more to see what I can find...will then be back.

And Jimmylegs, even though you did not post here, I have been wanting to say how very much I appreciate your constant insistence on supplementation and diet, and how wonderfully you advise people so helpfully, with compassion and knowledge.

Okay Pamf, I will try to see what I can find! Keep practicing.
And I want to tell everyone that yoga does not have to be strenuous, but can be gentle also, and is so good for physical, psycho/spiritual health, reduces stress and anxiety. Once one taps into the BREATH, by deep breathing excerises, one finds the body and mind opening up into relaxation in daily living, even on a cellular level!

Zinamaria

Thanks all, so far. I'll stay tuned.

Zinamaria - indeed, yoga has become a way of life for me on a number of levels. I have come to appreciate the benefits of the less vigorous forms as well, particularly in relation to taming the mind.

I'll look forward to seeing your findings. Thank you!

Pam

pamf, I've been wondering the same thing. I just do the inversions and try not to worry about it. I doubt any harm is likely from 5 minutes upside down.