• Check in, centering, balanced hatha yoga set considering contraindications, relaxation (with imagery as appropriate),
• Balanced pranayama considering contraindications, meditation/centering.
• Include at least one suggestion from Karma, Bhakti, Raja, or Jnana Yoga tailored for this client.

I reminded her of the benefits of deep breathing and affirmations. She has an affirmation, “easy does it,” but she had forgotten it. I encouraged her to practice deep breathing and repeat her affirmation during her SPS episodes to help relax her muscles and calm her mind.

I began today’s session by asking Stephanie how she was feeling and if she had noticed any changes or challenges. She reported that it had been a bad week due to her SPS, which causes spasms and cramps during the night, waking her up 2-3 times. Despite her efforts, including yoga and meditation, these symptoms interrupt her sleep and it takes 5-10 minutes to unlock her muscles and additional time to go back to sleep.

I talked about Pratyahara at the previous session and sent her a document via email. She thought it would be helpful and said, “It would be great if I could.” I explained that the body scan practice can assist in withdrawing the senses by focusing on one part of the body at a time. She also mentioned that she liked the JAPA movements as they allow her to isolate specific areas and move them intentionally.

I led a brief centering, and we chanted "Hari Om" together before moving on to the asana practice. Then I introduced Brahmani breathing and suggested to try. Then I guided her through a half-sun salutation, accommodating her limitations, followed by balancing practice and heel drops. She mentioned wanting to focus more on her lower body as her SPS symptoms appear in her lower limbs. I demonstrated a supported squat using a chair for support.

To end the session, I led 15 15-minute of body scan to release all tension from her body and relax her mind. She described herself as “peaceful”.

She was my Happy Joint (JAPA class) student from March to May this year and I will resume the class in September, and she will return to the class. She is familiar with yoga, but she forgot some poses and teachings, now she is gradually learning how to apply the tools including breathing practice and gentle movement to improve her quality of life.

SPS is a rare neurological disorder with an unclear cause and limited information available. She also has allergies to some Western medicines, making her very cautious about taking them. Therefore, she has to decide and try various approaches to manage her condition.
Yoga can offer stress reductio and help maintain mental/emotional well-being, also yoga is a good tool for pain management.

This care plan is working well as she is applying tools to her routine, but more tools need to be provided.

I plan to follow the care plan in the next session. I will discuss “I am not the body, I am not the mind” as she mentioned she heard about it but she does not remember well.