If you have issues with your back, you are not alone.
In this Iyengar yoga class, we explore asanas that can help take care of the back or relieve back pain, be it the cervical spine (neck and shoulder area), middle back (the thoracic), or lower back( the lumbar and sacrum).
Generally, these challenges are developed over time for a variety of reasons.
Deformities from birth, accidents, imbalances developed over time, such as
📚 Incorrect posture starting from school age: i.e. sitting on one foot or carrying heavy backpacks.
🖥 Sitting for hours at the computer, hunching over, using devices while sitting or standing in an uncompromising position.
🏄🏻♂️ Repetitive one-sided actions, such as golf, tennis, surfing.
In my years of practice and teaching, I have seen these examples increase over time, especially with the use of computers and hand devices.
The best medicine is always preventive which is what we should focus on in our daily lives. In Iyengar yoga, we emphasize alignment to promote a balanced body with stability through developing awareness, strength, and flexibility in the correct areas.
The nervous system is directly correlated with the health of the spine, as the nerve endings and signals are coming from the spinal column.
Be it a stiff neck, tingling in the hand, sciatica down the leg/foot, or just general lower back soreness, it must be addressed sooner than later before the disks are permanently compromised.
In Iyengar yoga, many sequences have been developed and even prescribed to help restore alignment, create space, and bring blood flow to compromised areas. Certain postures help prevent as well as build strength and support.
Just like brushing your teeth, you formed a good habit to hopefully prevent future issues, the same applies to our body and mind.
We use yoga to sow the seeds of intelligent action and clarity of the mind so we develop preventive habits that are ingrained in our subconscious.
Asanas in this class:
Supta Tadasana
Ardha Pavanamuktasana
Supta Padangusthasana I
Supta Padangusthasana II
Supta Padangusthasana IV
Tadasana
Utthita Hasta Marichyasana
Bharadvajasana
Urdhva Mukha Svanasana
Ardha Uttanasana
Ardha Chandrasana
Setu Bandha Sarvangasana
Savasana
You can also browse our library of classes on our YouTube Channel for other topics on Iyengar Yoga
Happy Practicing!