YOGA BY CONDITION

Yoga and Thoracic Outlet Syndrome

One of the keys to preventing and dealing with thoracic outlet syndrome is maintaining good posture and keeping the body in alignment, and Yoga does both. Yoga relaxes muscles and lengthens the spine; it also increases circulation and rids the body of toxins. A well-trained Yoga teacher knows how to choose poses that release entrapped nerves and blood vessels without going too far and causing muscles to spasm.

Yoga and Meditation for Stress Reduction

Many people picture yoga as a posturing practice, but it’s necessary to remember that meditation and pranayama are monumental parts of a complete practice. Meditation has been demonstrated to not only decrease stress levels, but also induce changes in brain physiology. Eileen Luders, a researcher in the UCLA School of Medicine, conducted a study in 2009 that compared the MRIs of 22 meditators, with 5-46 years of experience, with 22 non-meditators, and found that meditators had increased gray matter in the areas of the brain associated with attention, regulating emotions, and decision-making. In effect, meditators were more focused and better equipped to deal with negative or stressful situations and make logical, mindful decisions. Similarly, in 2009, Philippe Goldin, a project director in Stanford University, monitored individuals taking an 8-week course on meditation and yoga.

The Benefits of Yoga Practice in Relation to Stress

Practicing yoga gives your body a designated time to relax in what can often be a hectic life. It improves muscle strength as well as blood circulation which in turn works to detoxify the body’s major organs. The calming effect brought on by deep breathing and the meditative state often experienced throughout and almost always at the end of a yogic session stabilises the autonomic nervous system which works to bring about more balance within the body.

Proper Alignment For Good Health

With physical exercises, individuals become very strong as well. Care has to be taken because if these poses are overdone, then they may result into injuries instead. The yoga postures have been used to heal nerve impingement such as in carpal tunnel syndrome. The students are also taught on how to inhale and exhale while performing these poses. This is very important given that you also need to get enough air and expel carbon dioxide outside your body.

Can Yoga Help Sciatica?

Sciatica can occur as a result of a number of factors, such as a herniated or bulging disc, spondylolisthesis, or piriformis syndrome. It is exacerbated by a sedentary lifestyle and extended periods of sitting. Physical activity and stretches that target the core, glutes and hamstrings are highly recommended for reducing nerve impingement and dealing with sciatic pain.

2021-11-19T12:36:58-05:00Categories: Ailments / Disorders|2 Comments
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