We’ve all experienced back pain, and especially those of us who spend a majority of our day sitting at a desk hunched over homework or piled up paper work from our not-so-relaxing job.
Now, more often than not, when people hear they can combat their back pain through yoga they can be pretty skeptical. Well, worry (and ache) no longer! After practicing these simple positions on a regular basis, you can kiss your chiropractor goodbye!
The fine print: To feel the full healing power of these stretches, be sure to focus on the sensation your breath as it guides you through!
Downward Dog
Downward dog is a classic yoga pose that supports your back as a whole. Performing this pose this will target your back extensors and is great for spinal support. Becoming familiar with this pose will not only reduce the nuisance of an ache, but help you to build strength, improve posture, and even lift things internally.
Seated Spinal Twist
This not only stretches the upper body and contributes to spinal mobility, but this simple pose is also known to improve digestion! I personally find this pose as being the most beneficial for reducing my back pain. One thing I’ve begun to do is make it a part of my daily morning stretch. Over the course of the past few weeks, I’ve found it to be beneficial in combatting my usually unbearable lower back aches before they even come!
Windshield Wipers
Lying flat on your back with knees bent and feet flat on the floor, take a moment to inhale deeply, and then exhale. On your next exhale. drop your knees to the left of you (or your mat if this is a practice rather than a quick stretch) and breath here for a moment or two. Inhale, bring your knees to center, and exhale as you drop them to the right. Doing this a few times daily will alleviate tensions by broadening and lengthening the connective tissue in your lower back.
Enjoy the relief you will begin to feel in your back as well as the sensation of being mindful of your breath. Yoga heals not only physically, but is mentally and spiritually uplifting. Leave some comments below if you have any further suggestions or have felt improvement through these poses.
