Birmingham's Mindy Eisenberg Brings Yoga Therapy to People With MS

Mindy Eisenberg watched first-hand as her mother battled the debilitating physical, emotional and financial toll of Multiple Sclerosis, and decided to do something to help others. Her love for yoga seemed a natural fit and for the past few years the Birmingham resident blended both experiences to raise money and awareness to aid people diagnosed with the chronic neurological disorder that affects the central nervous system.

That effort continues with Yoga Moves MS: Party with a Purpose at 7 p.m. Saturday at the Troy Marriott Hotel to benefit the Multiple Sclerosis Foundation. The event will honor four local clinicians working to help find a cure, and will feature Bloomfield Hills resident Erica Coulston, owner of Walk the Line to SCI Recovery and most-recent winner of Oakland County's Elite 40-Under-40 as keynote speaker. 

Eisenberg recently answered five questions for Patch:
 
Can you describe the genesis of this fund-raiser idea and what it takes to put together?

I met the original founder of Yoga Moves MS Party With a Purpose at an information session led by the National President of the MS Society in 2006.  By fate, Diane Ring and I sat next to each other and realized we had yoga, MS and the desire to fundraise for MS in common. We decided to join forces and began with a small fundraiser with a yoga class for donation only. Each year, we grew exponentially.

Even though we have a general formula for the event planning, a fund-raiser like Yoga Moves MS Party with a Purpose is a huge investment in volunteer time. We essentially start planning for the next fundraiser about 10 months before the event date. 

How did you get introduced to yoga and why do you continue to practice and study it?

Shortly after my son was born in 1996, a close friend encouraged me to attend a class with her. From that day forward, it was an important part of my daily routine. I was a dancer and always loved physical movement. However, yoga is much more than a physical activity. It is a way of life. I cannot imagine life without yoga. It is a lifelong practice no matter our physical condition until the last breath. 

Why is yoga in particular helpful or therapeutic for MS patients?

Yoga impacts individuals with MS just like any other. More specifically, focus on breath helps one to calm the nervous system, balance energy levels and thereby reduce fatigue. The physical postures help flexibility, strength, digestion, circulation and sleep patterns. The mind-body connection is strengthened and people learn more about their capabilities as opposed to focusing on their limitations and find ways to move with more ease. 

Yoga is not a cure but it does increase the quality of life. The general motto when referring to the body with MS, is “use it or lose it.” Yoga helps maintain strength, flexibility, and bodily function  and often improves it.

Can you describe the importance of what the MSF does? 

The mission of the Multiple Sclerosis Foundation is to provide nationally accessible programs and support services to those persons affected by MS to help them maintain their health, safety, self-sufficiency, and personal well-being; and to heighten public awareness of multiple sclerosis in order to elicit financial support for the MSF's programs and services and promote understanding for those diagnosed with the illness. People with MS are often challenged financially due to the loss of careers and the care required. The MSF helps with several programs and services which are free.

Can you talk about the goal of getting yoga therapy covered by insurance companies and what you think it will take to get there? 

Yoga therapy is a comprehensive approach to improving one’s sense of health and well being. When the insurers realize the benefits and potential cost savings they are more likely to jump on board and cover the service. Yoga is more cost effective than many currently reimbursed alternatives. It is also a natural way to maintain health once other therapies are no longer required.

As more and more physicians and other clinicians recognize and communicate the benefits to patients, hopefully insurers will institute coverage for the service.

Tickets and registration are available online.