The ancient art of Yoga is becoming more and more popular among those who suffer from back pain. People have reported drastic improvements regarding their back mobility and health, all thanks to the regular Yoga practice.
What causes back pain? Some common causes of back pain are: incorrect posture, bad body mechanics, repetitive movements, injury of discs, inflamed muscles and ligaments, and stress.
How can one heal their back pain?
1. Strengthening and lengthening the muscles of the entire core and back regions. So often people focus too much on strength training without the stretching; you have to do both.
2. Focus on proper posture while moving and sitting. Sit and walk tall. Use your abdominal muscles to support you.
3. Learn to effectively stretch tight muscles with daily Yoga.
4. Therapeutic Massage is very effective in breaking up adhesions, reducing inflammation, and removing toxins that can help speed up the healing process.
Most Yoga sessions last from 45-90 minutes. Since most people don’t have the time to dedicate to the practice, here are some pictures of my four favorite back-saving moves for you to do at home.
Triangle Pose. Helps the body to release muscles of the lower back, hamstrings, hips, and inner thighs while opening the upper body.
Cat and cow. Helps mobilize the entire spine.
Wall plank. This variation of downward facing dog is great for beginners since you don’t have to support all of your weight on your arms. This pose helps to open the chest and shoulders, while stretching the lower back and hamstring muscles.
Pigeon: Opens the lower body muscles including the hamstrings, hip rotators and the iliopsoas muscles. Great for runners.
Give it a try. Watch your form and see how different long and strong muscles feel. Need help? Come out and try a free class at Lori’s Wellness Loft. Call for your free class pass.
A new 10-week beginner Yoga course runs September 2 though November 4 on Thursdays from 6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Cost is $150; bring your mat. Must call to register, space is limited.
Lori’s Wellness Loft, located at 218 Bellevue Ave. in Hammonton, offers Yoga, Pilates, Massage Therapy, Energy Work, Fitness Classes, Wellness seminars and more. Call Lori Penza for more information at 561-LORI or 287-5970 or visit www.loriswellnessloft.com.