Apart from the common methods of treatment, Yoga classes and poses help to reduce high muscle tone in children with cerebral palsy. One of the significant features of children who are affected with cerebral palsy is muscle tone. When the asana is being performed the muscles and tendons stretch and the overall rigidity of the muscles and joints is reduced. Simultaneously these asanas provide a small amount of resistance and low muscle tone areas are also exercised. So the dual benefit of improving both low and high muscle tone is achieved.

The other point in favor of asanas is that the spine is stretched, flexed and twisted. The distance between each vertebra is increased and the pressure on the discs reduced. This also means that the pressure on the nerves is correspondingly reduced. Hence muscular tension is released and the overall neurological function is enhanced. This in turn implies that the range of movement increases and the muscles become more coordinated.

Research scientists are examining the fact that faulty cell development could result in cerebral palsy. They seem to have established a connection between missing enamel on teeth and cerebral palsy. They are also examining the possibility of using drugs to combat strokes in newborn infants and investigate the causes of low birth weight. Maybe this will help to reduce the severity of cerebral palsy or in some cases where early diagnosis is possible to combat it. A lot of work needs to be done before concrete results emerge.

Awareness and acceptance of cerebral palsy needs to be increased. There are many publications that help the public, parents and the affected person to learn more about cerebral palsy and a conscious effort must be made to acquaint them with all the available facts. Some books worth reading are indicated below.

Everything you need to know about CP
Written by Dion Pincus is an excellent resource for individuals who want to know more about their condition.
Coping with Cerebral Palsy
By Laura Gilman discusses the realities that are associated with CP and how to cope.
Children with Cerebral palsy: A Parents' Guide
This is published by Woodbine house and is a useful book for parents.

A difference in the family: living with a disabled child.
Written by Helen Featherstone, it guides the family inmates and teaches them to cope with the stress that is an associating factor.

Childhood Speech, language and listening problems
Hamaguchi, Patricia dwells on important factors which are more often than not found in children with Cerebral Palsy.

The New language of Toys: Teaching communication skills to children with special needs
Schwartz, sue and Joan Miller

There are also sites on the world wide web which give you information on Cerebral Palsy & other sources of health news
CP.medranks.com
Getbestinfo.com
Cerebralpalsysupport.org.
If you have spasticity (tight, stiff muscles) related to cerebral palsy,...
www.medtronic.com
A delayed delivery can cause cerebral palsy. Possible lifetime benefits....
www.cerebralpalsyhelp.com
Your child may be entitled to millions of dollars in compensation....
www.cpadvice.com .There are innumerable number of books available about Cerebral Palsy and innumerable sites where you can get information. The ones indicated above are just starting points.