broadway @ yew chiropractic



 

Print Article

Benefits of Yoga

We hope that you enjoyed the beautiful weather this summer in Vancouver!

It's this time of year, whether you are young, working or retired that as the weather starts to welcome thoughts of warm sweaters and pumpkin pie, we also experience the feeling of "back to school" and time to get back into a routine. Keeping our body healthy and fit is a priority and should be a vital part of your weekly "routine."

We are kicking off fall with information on the benefits of yoga in combination with chiropractic treatment. "Aligning" these practices will promote harmony between body and mind, not to mention increase fitness and improve aesthetics.

As chiropractors, one of the first things we look for in your body is asymmetry. Asymmetry can come in the form of a leg length inequality, or something as subtle as one quadriceps group tighter than another. The problem with asymmetry is that it causes stresses, pulls and imbalances in other parts of the body, which is why some people report that (for example) when they hurt their low back, their neck goes out a few days later.

Similar to chiropractic treatment, yoga uses different positions to work both the left and right, front and back of the body equally. This enables the participant to feel imbalances and become more body aware, at the same time correcting the problem. Yoga gives an incredible amount of feedback from your muscles, ligaments and nerves to the brain which creates awareness of areas of weakness/tightness in order to correct them top down.

Yoga was created long ago to help people meditate by making their bodies feel more fit, comfortable, healthy and calm in order to sit for long periods of time in meditation. It is amazing how applicable that is today, using yoga to prepare our bodies not for sitting for hours in meditation, but sitting for hours at a desk, computer or in the car.

There are many different types of yoga, we will discuss two different types, how to get started and some studios in the city that we recommend.

Iyengar:
Iyengar yoga is well suited to beginners. It has a heavy focus on alignment and utilizes different props (such as blocks and straps) to make up for lack of flexibility. Iyengar's focus is on proper form and classic poses, making it a great foundation for any other type of yoga. It is considered “mediation in action” and spends a longer amount of time in each posture, asking for more mental focus and breathing. It considered a more “gentle yoga” with a great deal of meditation.

Ashtanga or Power:
This yoga builds stamina, strength and balance through a series of more rapid movements. It is best suited to participants with a good foundation of cardiovascular fitness. Meditation in this yoga is less of a focus, but alignment is of importance. The practice generally starts with a series of "sun salutations," a pattern of movements done to each inhale and exhale, including push ups and lunging, and moves into standing, balancing and then seated poses. This type of yoga promotes an increase in cardiovascular fitness and muscular tone if performed on a regular basis.

How to get started:
Yoga can be performed in a class, with a video, podcast or you can do your own routine. That being said, it usually takes a few years to become familiar with routines and proficient in alignment and breath. Each and every practice session is a great journey.

We recommend doing classes in the beginning, ideally a smaller group where the instructor can be very hands-on with each participant. Introduce yourself to the instructor and tell them about your experience and injuries, they will have great insight and provide any necessary modifications.

Some of our favourite studios/instructors:

  • Clara Roberts-Oss (Wonderfully original, well educated in India and California, never boring!) Semperviva, YYoga and private sessions available www.pixieyoga.net
  • Jessie Enright (A very technical instructor, also teaches and is associated with UBC) Semperviva www.semperviva.com
  • Eoin Finn (Internationally renowned, teaches in Vancouver, has videos and a free podcast on Itunes) www.blissology.com
  • www.vancouveryoga.com is a great web resource that provides a search for location and type of yoga.

Yoga and chiropractic treatment seek balance and alignment. Yoga is a great complement to chiropractic by helping the body "hold" the corrections made in treatment, and prevent further injury.

Please don't hesitate to ask us for any further advice on yoga at the clinic or by email at info@vancouverbackpain.com

For more information please contact info@vancouverbackpain.com