Home » Yoga For Pain Relief: The Benefits of Practice
How Daily Yoga Practice Can Help With Pain Relief
Yoga for Pain Relief – I get bad migraines a few times a month which create major muscle tension in my neck, shoulders, and down into my back. And now that I’m over 40 I’m noticing more aches and pains throughout my body caused by stress and improper posture. When I do yoga classes more often, or at least a few yoga poses if I’m noticing some pain, I notice a great difference. It is amazing how yoga can help with pain relief in more ways than you may know.
Lately I’ve been talking to a lot of friends who have found relief from their various types of pain from yoga, too. I already know some of the great benefits of regular yoga practice, so, I dug a bit deeper and found out why having a regular yoga practice can be amazing for pain relief.
Stretching Out Your Muscles
This one is obvious, I mean, when you have tight muscles stretching them is likely going to provide you with some relief. Even if your pain has nothing to do with your muscles, releasing the tension that’s likely built up in your muscles from your pain can provide some relief. Plus, having supple muscles helps you move easier and feel better.
Proper Breath
Yoga is just as much about breathing and feeling at peace with body as it is about stretching. I know when I’m tense or sore I tend to hold my breath or start breathing very shallow. When I practice yoga regularly it reminds me to breathe, even outside of my practice time, so I get more oxygen to my muscles, and it makes me feel so much better physically and mentally.
Improved Posture
When I find myself slouching more often, or when I’ve been working on my computer for long hours, my muscles get quite sore. That’s my wake-up call to make more time for my yoga practice. Once I have gotten back into my groove with doing online yoga classes and my body starts to feel better, I find myself naturally sitting and standing in proper alignment, which takes away some of my pain.
Inflammation Reduction
I’ve noticed that having a regular yoga practice is one of the very best ways to relieve stress. And having less stress can help to reduce inflammation in the body. Since inflammation not only enhances pain, but can also create it in some cases, you want to do everything you can to reduce stress in your body.
Sense of Well Being
Having a regular yoga practice makes me feel better about myself and encourages me to bring more health and well-being into my life. I start eating better, exercising more, and practicing better self-care. All these things work to release extra tension and help to make me feel better about myself and my body. And when I feel better about myself, I notice that I suffer from less pain.
I love the way Asana at Home has online yoga classes for every level and ability. I also love how I can do my yoga practice in my own home – and that there are replays so I can do it on my own time. If you’re looking to start your own practice and not sure where to begin you can check out this post on the best tips for starting your own yoga journey.
Author and Yogi Erika Palmer