Bikram yoga is considered to be one of the most rigorous forms of Hatha yoga. Practiced for 90 minutes in a room that's heated to 105 F with far infrared heaters, Bikram yoga is a series of 26 postures and two breathing exercises. Whether Bikram yoga is good for your back is determined by the condition of your spine. Consult with your doctor or physical therapist to assess whether Bikram yoga will be beneficial for your back's condition.
Considerations
If you have an injured back or have undergone surgery on your back, you might not be flexible enough to engage in several of the postures. However, healthy backs will experience an increase in strength and flexibility. Postures that require deep back bends, such as camel, should be attempted only by individuals with healthy backs. Even people with healthy backs should engage carefully in all yogic postures until accustomed to the specific stretch required.
Modifications
Bikram yoga teachers are rigorously trained in the specifics of Bikram yoga and yogic health. Educated yoga instructors are able to offer a variety of modifications and props for beginners or for those who have pre-existing injuries to ensure the safe application of postures for strengthening a weak or injured back. If your doctor has approved your back for the practice of Bikram yoga, use your yoga teacher's knowledge of safe modifications to build up your back's strength safely.
Endurance
Because of the intense heat found in a Bikram yoga studio, muscles in the body are warmed rapidly, allowing for increased flexibility with reduced risk for injury to muscles. Regular practitioners of Bikram yoga have found that their strength, flexibility and core strength experience rapid improvement in a short period. All of these factors are beneficial for the health of the back, improving posture and overall well-being.
Far Infrared Benefits
Far infrared lighting used in Bikram yoga studios has been shown to improve bone health down to the marrow, according to the American Holistic Medical Association Guide to Holistic Health. The beneficial rays of this specific lighting includes all the positive effects of natural sunshine without any of the detrimental effects associated with prolonged sun exposure. Using the healing effects of Bikram yoga's far infrared lighting might have positive effects for back health.
References
- "Hot Yoga: Energising, Rejuvenating, Healing"; Marilyn Barnett; 2006
- "Bikram Yoga"; Bikram Choudhury; 2007
- "The American Physical Therapy Association Book of Body Maintenance and Repair"; Steve Vickery and Marilyn Moffat; 1999
- "The American Holistic Medical Association Guide to Holistic Health: Healing Therapies for Optimal Wellness"; Larry Trivieri Jr.; 2001
Member Comments