Six months ago, I was hunched over in constant sharp pain with acute sciatica, only able to walk a few steps without the help of a cane.
Yoga literally saved my butt!
With a few cranial sacral sessions, some physical therapy, acupuncture, and massage, a cortisone injection in my spine, plenty of Motrin and turmeric, I began a concerted effort to strengthen my core and lengthen and strengthen areas around it.
Six months later, I continue this core work with almost daily yoga. I am off the other treatments for now, except for massage. Giving up massage would be so so foolish! Right?!
Today, I stand differently than before the sciatica–I am taller, less hunched and less forward leaning. My body’s center of gravity is lower. I am more grounded. I am stronger as I stand.
This power and groundedness permeates the rest of my life both on and off the mat.
I am happier, more alive with each day, stronger in who I am.
Pain may be a pain, but it can often be an alert from your body that something needs attention and care. It’s one of the few “formal complaint procedures” your body has.
Listen to your pain, and talk to it. Ask it what you need to do, not do, or modify. Go to experts as needed and seek advice!
And, in most cases, do yoga! Modify postures to accommodate your body’s condition. With consistent effort, practice, and patience, this can often alleviate symptoms, decrease pain, and substantially increase the quality of your life no matter what your physical limitations may be.
By the way for more information beyond the anecdotal supporting and explaining many of the health benefits of yoga, click on The New York Times link Yoga For Everyone: A Beginners Guide. And make sure to pursue some of the other articles accompanying it that go it much more detail about particular ailments.
The Every Day Yogi 