Yoga relieves stress, increases flexibility and improves overall fitness. It also can help you manage fibromyalgia and chronic back pain. Some of yoga's pain relieving benefits come from the physical aspects of the postures and some come from the relaxing properties of the concentrated breathing. Focus on your breathing while you perform the poses. Inhale deeply and exhale completely. Try some of these poses today to relieve your specific pain.
Back Pain
Cat and cow poses are very good for stretching and relieving pain in your spine. Get down on the ground on all fours with your hands directly under your shoulders and your knees directly under your hips. Start with cat pose by rounding your back up. Pull your abdominal muscles in toward your spine. Drop your head to look at your thighs. Do cow pose next. Drop your belly button down toward the ground with your back arching. Look up toward the ceiling. Alternate back and forth between these two poses three to five times. Hold each pose for at least two full breath cycles.
Headache
Downward facing dog helps relieve headache pain. From a standing position, bend forward and place your hands on the ground. Jump or walk your feet back until your body forms an upside down "V" position. Your hands and feet should be flat on the ground. Your arms and legs should be straight. Your tailbone stretches up toward the ceiling. Keep your shoulders relaxed, imagining them gliding toward your hip bones. Press your chest toward the ground. Hold this position for several breath cycles.
Neck Pain
Puppy pose will help elongate your spine and relive pain in your neck. Start on your hands and knees with your knees directly under your hips and the tops of your feet flat against the ground. Walk your hands forward until the arms stretch out along the ground. Push your hips back slightly until your thighs form a 45-degree angle with your calves. Drop your forehead to the ground and relax your neck. Concentrate on your breathing as you allow your arms, head and even your chest to press into the ground.
Sciatica
Easy pose is a gentle, simple way to relieve pain from sciatica. Sit on the ground with your legs crossed. Keep your back straight with your abdominal muscles pulled in toward your spine. Relax your shoulder blades, gliding them down toward your hips. Place your hands gently on your knees. Allow gravity to pull your knees closer and closer to the ground. You can even apply gentle pressure to the knees with your hands. After several breath cycles in this pose, switch the foot that is crossed in front and repeat.
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