Archive for July 7th, 2008

By Paul Jerard, E-RYT 500

When we consider Yoga solutions for our hips, we often think in terms of physical tightness, which occurs over time. Our hips are largely ignored until we feel pain in them from excessive sitting, trauma, arthritis, or gradual joint wear. Yet, the hips are also a storage area for stress, anxiety, and emotional turmoil.

Many different Yoga postures work toward releasing tension from within the hips. Due to differences in our body types, alignment, and joint wear, over time, the best postures for one person may not suit another.

The posture’s level of difficulty is also a consideration. With that said, almost every posture can be modified if a Yoga teacher has the compassion, motivation, and innovation to do so. For students of Yoga, selecting a teacher is a complex choice – especially if a student has a pre-existing health condition.

Once the practice of Yoga is taken home, we begin to discover a multitude of techniques, which give us relief from chronic pain. It is at the stage of self-discovery, when a student first realizes presence in practice.

This may happen with the guidance of a Yoga teacher, but it can also happen during your personal practice at home; becoming present in your practice and making discoveries happen in their own time.

In the case of chronic pain, if it suddenly stops, you know you are on the right track. If it gets worse, you know you must change something in your lifestyle, talk to your doctor, or talk to your Yoga teacher.

The following list of Yoga postures are my personal favorites for relief from chronic pain in the hips. They can also be practiced to rid the body of tension, stress, and negative energy. If you had a hip replacement, you should seek the guidance of a competent Yoga teacher before practicing alone.

One-Legged King Pigeon Pose (Eka Pada Rajakapotasana): This is a classic hip opener. It is great for relief from excessive sitting. You should gently work this asana and be cautious if you have a pre-existing Sacroiliac injury.

Happy Baby Pose (Ananda Balasana): Another great hip opener, which mildly stretches the inner groin.

Bound Angle Pose (Baddha Konasana): Is also called “Cobbler” and “Butterfly,” but whatever you call it, Baddha Konasana is a wonderful hip opener with many additional benefits.

Also worthy of mention are the following postures.

Triangle Pose (Utthita Trikonasana)

Cow Face Pose (Gomukhasana)

Eagle Pose (Garudasana)

Extended Side Angle Pose (Utthita Parsvakonasana)

Half Moon Pose (Ardha Chandrasana)

Half Lotus Pose (Ardha Padmasana)

© Copyright 2008 – Paul Jerard / Aura Publications

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