If you can conquer yoga you can conquer anything. The benefits of yoga are endless; take kapalbhati, a yogic system of body cleansing techniques, which has garnered attention the world over for seemingly doing what no western medicine can. That's just one yoga tale of many.
Yoga can often act as an alternative to therapies and medication for problems that may arise from high stress levels, a more sedentary lifestyle or an unsuitable working environment. Our friends at SUNDÃRI help us decode which yoga pose to flex according to your problem.
Problem – Back Pain
An estimated $80bn a year is spent treating back pain and 8 out of 10 people will have problems with back pain at some point in their lives. Sitting down a lot, especially in poorly designed office furniture, can easily led to back problems. You need spinal twists, which free up muscles in the back and just below the shoulders, promote digestion, and massage internal organs.
Problem - Carpal Tunnel/Repetitive Stress Injuries (RSI)
RSI causes as many as 1.8m injuries per year across the USA, costing industries over $20bn in annual revenue. Using a keyboard is one of the main causes. Work on the downward facing dog position to strengthen your wrists, stretch the back of your legs which tighten from sitting, and ease lower back pain.
Problem – Obesity
Approximately 58m Americans, (around one-third) are considered obese. Obesity can lead to chronic diseases such as heart disease, diabetes, high blood pressure and stroke. It contributes to 300,000 deaths yearly. Lack of exercise and poor diet are usually to blame. The Warrior position will strengthen the muscles in your arms and legs, tone abdominal organs, and balance body weight.
Problem - Poor Concentration
Long hours in front of the computer derails concentration, which has a direct impact on productivity. The rads from the computer screen also disturb pitta in the eyes making us tired and irritable. Create The Tree pose to promote balance and proper breathing, and foster concentration and mental quietude.
Problem - Headaches
Most headaches arise from muscle tension in the back of the neck that's caused by the forward head position, with rounded shoulders and a curved upper back. This is not an uncommon typing posture. Work your body into The Bridge to reverse the hunched position of the chest, open the lungs and bring flexibility to the spinal muscles.
Problem - Poor Posture
Improper sitting and a standing posture leads to stiff necks, shoulders hunched forward or pulled tightly back, restricted breathing, and tightness in the thighs, legs, and ankles. Backaches, headaches, and other painful symptoms are often the unfortunate result. The Mountain pose fosters awareness of correct posture alignment. It tones and activates the torso, back, abdomen and pelvis, while stretching the shoulders, arms and wrists.
Problem - Low Energy Level
Continuous sitting with few breaks and limited physical activity promotes lethargy, which can effect morale and overall work attitude. Spread Feet mitigates the strain of continual sitting by opening and stretching the hamstrings. It also brings blood to the brain for clearer thinking.
Remember to breathe during your yoga pose, and hold the position for as long as possible. Over time you will develop inner and outer strength. Stay well.
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