Yoga Variations: Emphasis On Form, Not Function
Upper body exercises and yogic breathing helps in post-treatment resumption of good posture. Developing strength and stability in the lower body and abdominal area greatly help anyone suffering from chronic back pain. Necessary to keeping a yoga routine is diligence. It is also best to receive instruction from a certified teacher.
A randomized trial of the benefits of Iyengar yoga for people with chronic back pain showed that this program is more therapeutic than conventional physical therapy. The study had 60 participants who had been experiencing back pain for at least 11 years. Almost half of them used pain medication. To find out which therapy works better, the participants were placed into two groups yoga and educational. After the study and even three months later, those in the yoga group showed better results in back pain relief, functionality, and pain medication dosage than those in the education group.
Aside from the physical aspect involved in most cases of chronic pain, the social and psychological aspects need to be addressed as well, as they most likely factor in the full recuperation. Biofeedback is an efficient approach in attaining a positive mental and psychological health as well as relaxing the muscles.
Yoga has variations to accommodate students with limitations. (My view is that if you believe that you have limitations you will not get past that 'limitation'. For example, if you feel that you CAN'T do something what you think the end result will be? However, if you ask a better question, how can I ... then at least you have opened the door to success).
Although the types of poses may vary, the form remains key, not the function. Viniyoga is one such variation which allows for (limitations) and enhances the results of poses for a particular student with consideration for body type. These changes are learned individually, with emphasis on reaching a relaxed state that helps in coping with back pain.
Souchard's global postural re-education, the latest in physical therapy, mainly targets back pain caused by degenerative disk disease. This treatment aims to stretch weakened muscles around the spine and stomach. Studies are currently underway to find out if any variation of yoga may be able to replace said physical therapy.
A Philosophical Overview in Anusara yoga has 3 A's. Attitude, Alignment and action.
By following the 3 A's you will have a good foundation to work from to enhance your yoga work to correct any imbalances and give strength and flexability to the body.
A randomized trial of the benefits of Iyengar yoga for people with chronic back pain showed that this program is more therapeutic than conventional physical therapy. The study had 60 participants who had been experiencing back pain for at least 11 years. Almost half of them used pain medication. To find out which therapy works better, the participants were placed into two groups yoga and educational. After the study and even three months later, those in the yoga group showed better results in back pain relief, functionality, and pain medication dosage than those in the education group.
Aside from the physical aspect involved in most cases of chronic pain, the social and psychological aspects need to be addressed as well, as they most likely factor in the full recuperation. Biofeedback is an efficient approach in attaining a positive mental and psychological health as well as relaxing the muscles.
Yoga has variations to accommodate students with limitations. (My view is that if you believe that you have limitations you will not get past that 'limitation'. For example, if you feel that you CAN'T do something what you think the end result will be? However, if you ask a better question, how can I ... then at least you have opened the door to success).
Although the types of poses may vary, the form remains key, not the function. Viniyoga is one such variation which allows for (limitations) and enhances the results of poses for a particular student with consideration for body type. These changes are learned individually, with emphasis on reaching a relaxed state that helps in coping with back pain.
Souchard's global postural re-education, the latest in physical therapy, mainly targets back pain caused by degenerative disk disease. This treatment aims to stretch weakened muscles around the spine and stomach. Studies are currently underway to find out if any variation of yoga may be able to replace said physical therapy.
A Philosophical Overview in Anusara yoga has 3 A's. Attitude, Alignment and action.
By following the 3 A's you will have a good foundation to work from to enhance your yoga work to correct any imbalances and give strength and flexability to the body.