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While the exact cause of MS is unknown, it's believed to be an autoimmune disease in which the body's immune system attacks a fatty tissue called myelin, which help the nerve fibers of the central nervous system conduct electrical impulses. When myelin is damaged, it disrupts the electrical impulses to and from the brain -- causing a wide array of symptoms that include weakness or spasticity in the arms or legs, changes in vision, clumsiness and subtle changes in speech. Because the disease affects mobility, balance and strength, exercise, such as yoga, that focuses on those areas, will make a difference, representatives for the Seattle-based chapter say. For people with MS, it's important to continue an active lifestyle, but with the approval of their doctors, says Erin Poznanski, Director of the Chapter program. . . . The low-impact moves are designed to stimulate areas of the body -- known as "vayu" -- that are affected by MS. Specifically, "udana vayu" which deals with speech, motor abilities, brain and the immune system, and "vyana vayu," which deals with the hands and feet. . . . Techniques also include deep breathing to help people relax, which could help boost the immune system."

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