Guillaini-Barre Syndrome

Yoga Discussion Structural Yoga Therapy
#1

Dear Mukunda,

I may be working with a man who has residual issues after experiencing
an extended paralysis (hospitalized for a year!) from Guillain-Barre
Syndrome following a flu shot. He reports that he is “40%” recovered,
with ongoing issues due to deterioration of the myelin sheaths of the
nerve endings. If he rotates his arms rapidly, the bones will come out
of the sockets making an audible squishing sound.

I think he would benefit from the JFS due to it’s stimulation of the
muscular to brain (neural) pathways, and it’s capacity to strengthen
weakened muscles. I would prefer to work one on one with him and to
check his sensation in each of the movements. I don’t know if he will decide to pursue this option. He has some prior experience with yoga and yogic breathing.

Do you have any experience working with this condition? Are there any
concerns or contraindications for offering JFS? Would you recommend a
pranayama such as Nadi Shodana to balance the inner and outer stimulation?

Namaste,
Chandra

#2

I have no exposure to this situation. sounds like vata and kapha imbalances. I woudl suggest using JFS yes done as in book’s 2 variations - one basic with breathing for balancing vata and other for strength see notes in book on that. It basically involves feeling attention to toning as you work each muscle group one at a time. nadi shodana should be good too. I see no contraindications for JFS nor nadi either for that matter.