GOOD YOGA POSTURE

 Posturing: Introduction

It increases muscular strength. It reduces tension and stress. It has a low potential for injury, and it doesn't even look like exercise.


Why, then, don't more people practice yoga.


People think of yoga as being passive and mystical - an otherworldly activity that doesn't relate to their lives. People are experiencing a vacuum because of all the outward directed activity, and they are going to have to go back to the experience of self.


Although the Indian discipline of yoga has been practiced for more than 5,000 years, in this country there are few followers. Almost half the American adult population swims and close to a quarter runs or jogs, yet only 2 percent practices yoga.

The word yoga derives from the Sanskrit root yuj, meaning to yoke or connect. Through yoga's various techniques, one is said to arrive at mental and physical equilibrium, better health and inner peace. It has been described as providing, in effect, a ''work-in'' rather than a workout.


There are at least eight main branches of yoga and several offshoots of each, but essentially there are only two concerned with exercise: hatha yoga and kundalini yoga.


Hatha is the most popular type of yoga in the Western world. It is a slow-paced discipline that emphasizes controlled breathing and assuming various physical poses. It is said to aid the nervous system, the glands and the vital organs.


Kundalini, which was introduced to this country in 1969 by Yogi Bhajan, is more active, combining various modes of breathing, movement and meditation. It is based on the idea that body energy that is coiled below the base of the spine can be tapped so that it travels upward through different energy centers or chakras until it reaches the head. At this point one arrives at one's highest potential.



Classically, there are 84 basic yoga positions, or asanas, which are coordinated with special breathing techniques. The asanas range from simple bends and twists to pretzel-like contortions reserved for the most advanced practitioners. The various poses elongate the muscles and build flexibility. Along with the proper breathing, they help rid the body of tension. Static holds isolate and strengthen particular muscles.


Asanas have been evolved over the centuries so as to exercise every muscle, nerve and gland in the body. They secure a fine physique, which is strong and elastic without being muscle-bound, and they keep the body free from disease. They reduce fatigue and soothe the nerves. But their real importance lies in the way they train and discipline the mind.

Back Pain: A Result Of Poor Posture Or Muscle Strain

 

Can Poor Posture Or Muscle Strain Lead To Back Pain?

Back pain is a common phenomenon in the United States with nearly 80% of the population suffering from it. However, a large portion of them are unaware of the reasons or the causes of this problem. A strain in the muscles is a major cause of the pain the back. Although back related pain may emerge suddenly, it may be caused by a problem which has plagued us for a long time.

Back pain is generally not a serious problem and disappears quickly in most of the cases. However, medical advice is essential in cases where the pain persists for a long time. It is a general notion that bed rest is the best cure for this pain. But evidence has shown that rest does not aid in the recovery of a person suffering from backache. It is much better if one carries on with normal activities while taking some measures for relieving the pain.

It is one of the most common ailments with 8 out of 10 people experiencing it at one or the other point of time in their life. Pain can be acute, recurrent or chronic. Most of the people suffering from back pain fall in the first category wherein the pain vanishes in about six weeks and home remedies prove to be very effective. In the case of the recurrent category, the pain reappears after some time while chronic pain lasts for a longer period of time.

The intensity of back pain varies from person to person. It can vary from a dull ache to a searing pain and its onset may be sudden, without any reason. Severe and recurrent pain should not be ignored and proper medical advice should be sought. People experiencing difficulty in passing urine or having numbness in the back or the genital area, weakness and a shooting pain in the leg or feeling unstable while standing should consult a physician immediately.

Back Pain Remedies

Massage is an effective way of reducing back pain. The incidence or the severity of the pain can be reduced by finding out the exact reason for the pain, eliminating or modifying the factors/situations causing pain and trying to find the best possible remedy. A poor posture or manual activities such as lifting, bending and twisting can result in back related pain.

Early recognition of symptoms, proper treatment and appropriate rehabilitation measures are very important and help in minimizing the problems caused by back pain. A person suffering from back related pain may need to get the following tests done to find out the exact cause: a) blood test b) urine examination c) ultrasonography of abdomen and pelvis d) an X-ray of the lumbar or sacral region e) MRI of the spine f) examination of rectum, prostate, genito urinary organs.

Several over the counter medicines are available for the treatment of various back pains. Acetaminophen and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs are the two commonly recommended drugs that for people suffering from low back pain. In case of acute pain, the doctors may recommend narcotic pain medications or muscle relaxants.

Why Do I Have Sciatica?

           

Is there successful treatments available?

Most work-related sciatica injuries are caused or aggravated by actions such as heavy lifting, vibration, repetitive motion, and awkward posture.

Sciatica usually is derived from a traumatic event, muscle disproportion, or a combination of both.

Sciatica soreness is caused by force on the sciatic nerve, normally caused by a tightening and shortening of the piriformis muscle. This is more often than not produced by a disproportion between the inner and outer hip rotator muscles.

The ordinary low back troubles and other spinal situations that can cause sciatica – pain along the sciatic nerve – include:

1). Lumbar Herniated Disc. A herniated disc happens when the inner core of the disc breaks through the fibrous outer core of the disc and the bulge places force on the nearby nerve root as it exits the spine. In general, it is said that a sudden twisting movement or injury can lead to herniation and sciatica. But, most discs get worse due to recurring stress and then herniation. A herniated disc is usually referred to as a slipped, ruptured, bulging, or protruding disc…or a pinched nerve.

2). Lumbar Spinal Stenosis. This usually causes sciatica due to a tightening of the spinal canal. It typically results from a grouping of one or more of the following: enlarged facet joints, overgrowth of soft tissue and a bulging disc placing force on the nerve roots as they exit the spine.

3). Isthmic Spondylolisthesis. This condition rarely causes back pain or sciatica pain. Caused by a combination of disc space collapse, the fracture, and the vertebral body slipping ahead, the L5 nerve can get pinched as it exits the spine.

4). Piriformis Syndrome. The sciatic nerve can also get aggravated as it runs under the piriformis muscle in the rear. If the piriformis muscle irritates or pinches a root that includes the sciatic nerve, it can cause sciatica-type pain. The most familiar source of sciatic pain and is made when pressure is placed on the sciatic nerve by the piriformis muscle.

5). Sacroiliac Joint Dysfunction. Irritation of the sacroiliac joint at the bottom of the spine can also aggravate the L5 nerve, which lies on top of it, and cause sciatica-type pain. This is radiculopathy, but the pain can feel the same as sciatica caused by a nerve irritation.

If you do not know which one is the culprit, I would start with the fundamentals. Sciatic nerve pain are usually caused by muscle disproportions you have, you should start to see progress right away…and your sciatic pain should subside in a few weeks or less. Sometimes even the next day or two!

There are many different methods of treatment for your sciatica pain…but…unfortunately, most of them don’t work.

Many of the specialists just want to schedule another “appointment” for a later time. This is done for a reason.

You can also get prescription drugs that you get from your doctor. This is also a repeatable action. This is also done for a reason.

You might even be in such pain, that you consider very expensive back surgery.

Whatever the treatment, you should consider all of your options at hand.

YOGA vs STRESS

Can Yoga Cure Modern Day Stress?

Yoga is a 3,000-year-old, Hindu discipline of mind and body that became known in Western society with the hippie generation of the Sixties and early Seventies. Its image as a mystic practice is disappearing as fast as the stressful aspects of the Eighties are appearing. 

As an effective method of stress management, yoga is spreading into the business world, the helping professions, nursing and old age homes, and is used in the treatment of alcoholics, hyperactive children and youngsters with learning disabilities. Yoga centers are getting stiff competition from adult education classes of community colleges, boards of education and parks and recreation departments. 

The meaning of yoga is union of the body, mind and spirit with truth. There are many kinds of yoga to study, and there can be endless years of practice for the willing student. 

Hatha Yoga is among the most popular forms in the west. It emphasizes the practice of postures, which stretch and strengthen the body, help develop a sense of balance and flexibility, as well as body awareness and mental concentration. All forms of yoga incorporate the practice of proper breathing techniques for relaxation, to rest the mind from its constant chatter, to experience an internal calm, and to energize and purify the body.

As stress levels in society reach new heights, Raja Yoga, the yoga of meditation, is growing in popularity in Western society, while others, such as Krya Yoga, the yoga of cleansing, and Mantra Yoga, the yoga of chanting, not surprisingly, have little appeal for newcomers.

Stretching and toning, though beneficial, aren't the primary reasons people turn to yoga. Newcomers are hoping that yoga will provide them with a means for handling stress and diffusing tension. The difference between exercise and yoga is that yoga has a meditative quality. 

A lot of people are exercising for the psychological benefits and trying many of the Eastern activities, like yoga and tai chi. Yoga seems to have a calming effect on people. 

And the techniques work on children as well as adults. When your children are quarreling, ask them to stop what they're doing, raise their arms over their heads, lean forward and breathe deeply to help diffuse their anger. It definitely helps them to cool it. 

CHANGE YOUR CHAIR CHANGE YOUR LIFE

 

  Ergonomic Chairs  Could

Be The Answer To Good Posture?

In today's office setting, ergonomic office chairs are

very important.  At work, many office employees are 

sitting more than eight hours per day.  During this time,

it's important that ergonomic chairs be used, as they

will help reduce shoulder, back, and neck strain.  Even

though they may cost more than the standard office chair, 

they are a wise investment simply because they increase

productivity and can help prevent serious injury.

When you select the proper ergonomic offer chair, there

are several factors you should consider.  You'll want 

chairs with an adjustable seat, the proper lumbar support, 

backrest, adequate seat depth and width, arm rests, and 

the ability to swivel.  You should also read the 

instruction manual as well and ensure that all of the 

adjustment mechanisms function properly.  If you find a 

chair to be defective in any way, it should be returned

immediately.

Keep in mind when selecting your chairs that there is 

really no "one size fits all" for every body type.  What

is best for one individual may not be the best choice for

another.  Before buying a chair you should give it a

try and see what you think.  If it isn't possible to test

out the chair, you should make sure that you can get a 

refund if something goes wrong.

Before you purchase or use an ergonomic chair it's best

to fully understand proper posture and ergonomics while

at work or at home.  One of the basics to ergonomics is

making sure that a chair's seat height will allow the

user's feet to stay firmly planted on the floor.  It's 

also good if the chair provides a lumbar support, which

will fit the inward curve of the lower back area.  

With the traditional ergonomic office chair, there are 

a lot of new and emerging alternatives.  Depending on 

the chair, you may find yourself in new positions.  Even

though they may take a bit of getting used to, these 

chairs are great for someone who experiences a bit of

discomfort or chronic back pain.

Those who sit at their desks for extended periods of time

would greatly benefit from ergonomic chairs.  While 

sitting at a desk, you put your back and upper torso in

a cramped position, making yourself a target for back

pain later on in life.  With ergonmic chairs, your back

gets the support it needs.  This way you can sit at your

desk all day long and know that your back and the rest 

of your body is very comfortable.

What Is Kundalini Yoga?

Kundalini Yoga

The word Kundalini is a familiar one to all students of Yoga, as it is well known as the power, in the form of a coiled serpent, residing in Muladhara Chakra, the first of the seven Chakras, the other six being Svadhishthana, Manipuraka, A  nahata, Visuddha, Ajna and Sahasrara, in order.

Less is historically known of the Agamas than the Vedas, because the latter provide descriptive poem-pictures of Vedic life. The original Agamas are twenty-eight in number. They are called Saiva Agamas as they focus on establishing a relationship with and ultimately realizing the Supreme Being Siva. They carry names like Vira, Hero. Siddha, Perfected and Swayambhuva, naturally revealed.

The Agamas are divided into four parts called padas, lessons. The first two padas - Chariya good conduct, and Kriya, external worship,- include all the details of personal home life, house planning, town planning, personal worship in temples, the architectural plans for temples and sculpture as well as the intricacies of temple puja. The final two padas - Yoga, internalized worship and union, and Jnana, enlightened wisdom, – vividly describe the processes and stages of kundalini yoga, and the Cod-like plateaus of consciousness reached when Sivahood is attained. In the actual texts, the padas are ordered with jnana first, yoga second, then kriya and chariya - unfurling from a God-state to a human state.

The Agamas contain tens of thousands of verses, much more prolific than the Vedas. Though the Vedas stayed strictly in Sanskrit, the Agamas proliferated across India and oilier countries through many languages. But they fared poorly over the millennia, particularly the Yoga and Jnana Padas - so high and powerful. The custodian Saiva priests neglected them. Many padas of entire Agamas were lost or destroyed.

Yoga for Modern City Life: Ancient Practice Fits Modern Life

 When Trace Bonner launched Holy Cow in West Ashley's South Windermere Shopping Center last summer, she didn't know what to expect. Now she's teaching 16 classes a week and adding another instructor. And while she credits the center's success in part to its cute cow logo and convenient location, there's no question that there's a revived interest in yoga across America. 

The ancient Indian practice of yoga first arrived in the US at the beginning of the 20th century, but didn't really catch on until 1969 with chants at Woodstock. Now, after being overshadowed by the aerobics craze in the '80s and early '90s, yoga is once again attracting followers, with many looking for relief from ailments and injuries or from the stress of daily life.

Baby boomers, worn out from years of jogging and bouncy workouts, are back on board. But interest is growing with other age groups, too, from college students to senior citizens to celebrities.

The surge in interest is being fueled partly by doctors' growing acceptance of yoga's healing potential. Mainstream medicine has adopted yoga as a gentle therapeutic method for treating a number of illnesses, so more and more doctors are referring their patients to yoga. Initial trials have shown yoga can help people with arthritis, carpal tunnel syndrome, asthma and cardiac risk factors.

                                                                                   

Yoga In 10

              Ten Minute Yoga Plan to Pep Up

Whether you might be staying home with a new baby or working too many hours at the office, anytime is a good time for yoga. You can do yoga stretches and postures in bed or even while driving to work.

Hundreds of fitness seekers use their lunch hour to squeeze in exercise and take off extra pounds.

I occasionally use my lunch hour for Yoga, said John Ray White, 35, who works at the Arkansas attorney general's office. Downward facing dog and sun salutation are two of the postures she practices every day.

Practicing yoga in the middle of day some people think is the break that they need to face the afternoon, said Ray. 

Lunch-hour fitness routines become more popular in warm weather.

Kick Back Log-on Pose                                                                                                         

Interlace your fingers behind your head. Relax your elbows and shoulders. Smile, breathe and stretch your elbows back. Let the tightness release slowly.

E-mail Meditation

While reading your e-mail, remember to breathe slowly and focus your attention on your breath. Make the out-breath two times longer than the in-breath. This will immediately calm you.

Photocopier Stretch

Place your hands on the edge of the copier. Stand back with feet apart. Drop your head and chest. Breathe and relax your shoulders.

Close-the-deal Warrior Pose

Raise your arms to the side with fingers pointed. Take a big step to the side, with your right foot out and knee bent, your left foot planted, left leg straight. Keep the upper body straight and strong, shoulders relaxed. Relax into the stretch -- don't hold your breath. Return to a standing position, switch sides and repeat.

What You Should Know Before Your First Chiropractor Visit

 

Chiropractic Care:  Frequently Asked Questions

Do you suffer from joint pain?  Do you find it difficult to move or function from day-to-day?  If so, you can benefit from chiropractic care.  But wait!  What is it?  What are the benefits?  What types of procedures are offered?  If these are some of the questions you have, continue reading on for the answers.

Question:  What is chiropractic care?

Answer:  It is medical care that is deemed natural.  Chiropractors will rely on the x-rays and MRIs to make proper diagnosis, but that is usually it in terms of medical tools and technology.  They operate with a hands on approach.  This approach is known as manual therapy.  Often times, most physicians only treat the problem causing symptoms of pain and discomfort.  Chiropractors want to treat these symptoms too, but they go directly to the source and fix it.

Questions: What type of problems can chiropractic care treat?

Answer:  Just about anything.  If you suffer from pain and discomfort, a chiropractor should be able to provide you with relief.  This relief may not be immediate, as diagnosis and proper treatment plan must first happen.  Chiropractic care typically involves therapeutic massages or realignment.  It has been used to treat the pain and discomfort associated with arthritis, whiplash, and sports injuries.

Question:  Who can undergo chiropractic care?

Answer:  Just about anyone.  You will rarely find any restrictions or age requirements.  If they do exist, they are the doctor’s own personal preferences.  Chiropractic care, when properly performed, is safe for individuals of all ages, including children and the elderly.  In fact, pregnant woman can benefit from it.  For most, it makes birth easier and less painful.

Question:  What type of schooling and experience must chiropractors have?

Answer:  Requirements vary depending on state.  What you want to look for, as a patient, is a doctor with a Doctor of Chiropractic (D.C.) degree.  There are various tests that one has to undergo and pass.  Once again, these vary by state.  To receive a state license, more testing is required.  As for schooling, it is usually an ongoing practice.  New techniques are developed each year and tips are regularly shared between professionals.  Many chiropractors continue their schooling and attend yearly chiropractic conferences.  This is not usually required, but done to better their skills and treatment.

Question:  Does chiropractic care work?

Answer.  Yes.  Many individuals and some medical professionals write off chiropractic care as a questionable form of alternative medicine.  This is not the truth.  In fact, chiropractic care is very successful.  Millions of men, women, and children have used the services of a chiropractor worldwide.  Many opt for continued treatment and care.  They wouldn’t if they didn’t notice an improvement in mobility and a reduction in pain.

Question:  Can I do my own chiropractic care at home?

Answer:  No, you shouldn’t.  Many mistakenly believe that since chiropractic care involves using the hands, it can be done at home.  Yes, manual therapy does involve the use of the hands, but it is much more than that.  Precision is required.  Chiropractic adjustments are used to decrease pain and improve mobility in locked up joints.  Yes, the hands apply force, but if you are not accurate more damage and pain is likely.

Question:  Is chiropractic care long-term?

Answer:  It depends.  It all depends on the severity of your pain, the frequency, and your chiropractor’s choice of treatment.  For example, if headaches are caused by spinal distortion, vertebrae realignment is performed.  A chiropractor may suggest a few follow-up appointments, but treatment is usually short.  On the other hand, those suffering from osteoarthritis deal with pain and daily.  Therapeutic massages will reduce the pain, but continued treatment is best for long-lasting pain relief.

Question:  What makes chiropractic care better than traditional forms of medicine?

Answer:  A lot.  For starters, it is important to note that chiropractors do not discourage seeing a primary care physician.  Chiropractors specialize in alleviating pain and improving mobility, not curing cancer or treating the flu.  As for the benefits, there are no drugs.  Chiropractors are unable to perform surgery and write prescriptions.  Your treatment is 100% natural.  This is less intimidating and the recovery time is short.  In fact, there rarely is a recovery period.  Continued physical therapy or therapeutic massages may be suggested, but there is never any hospitalization.

How's Your Posture?

 What is the importance of posture?

Proper posture improves spine health

 

Sitting and standing with proper alignment improves blood flow, helps keep your nerves and blood vessels healthy, and supports your muscles, ligaments, and tendons. People who make a habit of using correct posture are less likely to experience related back and neck pain.

 

Click Here To Learn About The FREE 7 Day Posture Challenge