The Yoga rules

By Glen Wood

Simply put, Yoga works. It makes you feel better. The term 'Yoga' means "union" in Sanskrit which is the classical language of India. Hence Yoga provides a mind - body - spiritual connection. The actual physiological, medical, emotional and spiritual benefits are in fact so comprehensive, that any attempt to represent an all-inclusive list here would be a serious injustice. What can be said is that Yoga is the ultimate in self-improvement systems. It is a way of living and experiencing life, not just a technique or daily exercise routine and will help you with your back pain.

All yoga sessions conclude with the corpse or savasana pose. This resting pose is achieved by lying flat, with eyes closed, and the arms and legs spread from the center of the body. Do not make the mistake of missing this restorative part of the practice, in which the body will manifest the benefits from the active part of the practice. The reward of maintaining savasana provides the opportunity to reach a meditative state and reflect inward.

Relax and Renew: Restful Yoga for Stressful Times (1995) Judith Lasater provides a bounty of gentle, restorative yoga poses designed to replenish mind and body. Each pose is amply described and pictured. Most use blankets and pillows to support the body, allowing complete relaxation rather than having to "hold" a pose.

She suggests poses to alleviate lower back pain, neck pain and headaches, insomnia, breathing difficulties, and jet lag. Other poses are designated as beneficial for menstruating, pregnant, or menopausal women. A section on "Living Your Yoga" guides the reader into incorporating yoga into daily life.

Control of the breath - pranayama will sooth nerves, enhance endurance, tone the entire system and provide essential core temperature maintenance. Many classes begin with a pranyama session and aid practitioners in centering their focus on the postures and practice to come. Breath work will not only provide the above mentioned benefits but begin to tone and strengthen the core or abdominal region, and it is the foundation of all yoga practices.

As with most muscles, you must use them or lose them: the more you rest, the weaker your back gets, even if it is hurt. Studies have actually shown that you can cure your back pain quicker and get back to your regular activities with just two days of rest. Of course, you should consult your doctor before beginning any exercise program.

Glen Wood - The Yoga Teacher, dedicated to unlocking the Real Secrets of Back, Shoulder and Neck Pain.

To help you further with your shoulder/back pain you need to sign up for your FREE "Yoga and You" report at http://www.YogaTeachingwithGlen.com