By Faye Martins
Back pain can take over every aspect of your life, making even day-to-day existence a chore. Many people turn to doctors and medications to relieve back pain, but there’s actually a much simpler solution. There are many yoga poses that will stretch the back and leg muscles to relieve discomfort. Yoga is more than a temporary solution; it provides long-term results for as long as you continue your practice. Even beginners can perform simple stretches for nearly instant results. If you’ve never tried yoga before, it’s definitely worth a shot at relieving the discomfort and added stress that back pain can bring.
Causes of Back Pain
Chronic pain in the back can be misleading, because its root cause might actually be weak abdominal muscles, tight hamstrings, or just a general lack of flexibility in all of your body’s muscles. In order to get your back feeling better, your body needs overall stretching and strengthening. Long, lean muscles will support your frame and eliminate extra pressure on your back. The hips, spine, and legs being out of alignment with each other might also cause back pain. All yoga poses work to bring the body back into proper alignment, thereby reducing or eliminating back pain.
Standing Forward Bend Posture – Uttanasana
The forward bend is a wonderful pose to release and stretch all the muscles in the back of the legs and thighs. It can also be invigorating for the mind, as it renews the blood supply to the brain upon coming out of the pose. To perform a forward bend, stand with feet about hip width apart with the toes pointed forward. Reach up with both arms, then tip forward and down from the hips. Release your head and neck, allowing your body to hang with your torso touching your thighs. Hold each elbow with the opposite hand. Breathe deeply and slowly, allowing all of your muscles to release. When you’re ready to come out of the pose, slowly lift your torso up, keeping your spine straight. Allow the blood to flow back down your head, neck and spine before going into the next pose.
Wall Plank Posture – Half Chair Pose – Ardha Utkatasana
The wall plank is similar to the forward bend. Stand in front of a wall, so your outstretched hands will be able to rest flat on the wall. Firmly plant both hands with the fingers flat and pointing upwards. Step slowly back from the wall, bending from the hips, until your back is flat. Your body will form an L-shape. Elongate the spine by lifting the navel in towards the spine. Breathe deeply and slowly, holding the pose for as long as it feels comfortable. Slowly lift your torso up to release the pose.
© Copyright 2012 – Aura Wellness Center – Publications Division
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