Yoga Moves MS forum on May 21 to address intimacy, sexuality
Free program to focus on adaptive yoga, holistic mind-body strategies
Intimacy and sexuality among people with multiple sclerosis (MS) will be the focus of this year’s Holistic Health and Wellness Forum for MS, presented by Yoga Moves MS — a U.S. program aiming to improve quality of life for those with neuromuscular conditions — on May 21 in Michigan and virtually.
The annual event, to be held in person in Lathrup Village, as well as online, is meant to provide individuals with MS and their care partners with information on a range of integrative approaches to well-being. Such approaches involve adaptive yoga, healthy lifestyle choices, and holistic mind-body strategies that complement traditional medical care.
The aim, according to the event organizers, is to help MS patients actively contribute to their own health.
“This forum is for individuals with MS, their family members, care partners, and friends to gain a broader understanding about an integrative, whole systems approach to wellness,” the webpage states.
Registration for the free event is now open for both online and in-person participants. Those wishing to support Yoga Moves MS programming are encouraged to make a donation; a contribution of $35 is suggested. Check-in on the day begins at 4 p.m. ET, with the program starting at 5 p.m.
Panel discussion at Yoga Moves MS forum on topic of ‘navigating intimacy’
MS occurs when the immune system mistakenly attacks the myelin sheath, a protective coating around nerve fibers, leading to symptoms like pain, fatigue, walking and balance issues, and vision problems. Sexual health problems are also common in people with MS.
Yoga Moves MS seeks to improve the lives of those with MS and other neuromuscular conditions through adaptive yoga, wellness education, and holistic health approaches. The community was founded by Mindy Eisenberg, a yoga instructor who’s worked with people with mobility challenges, and whose mother had a progressive form of MS.
Adaptive yoga focuses on pose adaptations that can meet each patient’s individual needs — which may be standing, seated, or on the mat, and using supportive props like chairs, blankets, blocks, and straps.
The goal is to empower people of all abilities, and to enhance mobility and energy, reduce pain, and improve mood and emotional resilience.
The highlights of this year’s forum include a panel discussion titled “Beyond the Diagnosis: Navigating Intimacy and Sexuality With MS.” It will feature Jeanie Cote, MD, a neurologist at Memorial Healthcare Institute for Neuroscience in Michigan, together with Amy Raad, a certified sex therapist, and Allison Bell, a physical therapist from the University of Michigan specializing in the pelvic floor — the muscles that support the pelvic organs and contribute to sexual function.
“With increased awareness and understanding of an integrative and whole systems approach to wellness, patients with MS can actively participate and contribute to their health,” the webpage states. “Attendees will learn strategies that take into account the whole person, mind, body, and soul.”
Damian Washington, an actor, comedian, and MS influencer, will set the stage for the event, providing humor and inspiration, while Taylor Hess, a neuroimmunologist at the Michigan Institute for Neurological Disorders MS Center, will offer an update on emerging MS therapies.
“Knowledge offered at the event will enhance the MS patient’s ability to improve and maintain an ideal state of health,” the webpage states.
In-person attendees will have the opportunity to view the exhibit hall, eat a healthy meal, and connect and socialize with other members of the MS community. Anyone not able to attend in person may join in virtually.
The event is supported by several pharmaceutical companies, including Novartis, Biogen, and Genentech. The Kirk Gibson Foundation for Parkinson’s has been instrumental in awarding Yoga Moves MS grants to build out an Adaptive Yoga Moves Any Body platform, allowing adaptive yoga to be available anytime, online or in person, according to the program.
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