Pain can be caused by a range of factors and there is a change occurring in pain management away from drugs and toward the inclusion of natural methods for pain relief. One effective method for relieving pain naturally is yoga.
Yoga can be used effectively to relieve pain caused by a wide range of factors, including recovery after accident or injury or pain relief for conditions such as arthritis, fibromyalgia and certain back conditions.
A few medical studies have shown the effectiveness of a gentle stretch yoga practice for pain relief. Studies at the University of Washington and West Virginia University found people experienced less pain and greater mobility with regular yoga practice.
Modern medicine is catching on to the ancient wisdom of yoga in healing the body. Yoga therapy programs are being utilized for chronic pain and to aid in recovery after an injury, accident or surgery. A growing number of doctors are suggesting a yoga practice to their patients for pain relief and healing after an injury.
When using yoga for the purposes of relieving pain, choose a slow paced, gentle stretch practice, rather than a more intense practice. Yoga practices that use a lot of modifications or props, such as Iyengar yoga or hatha yoga are often a good choice for pain relief. Props can be used and asanas modified to meet the needs of the individual.
There are some important factors to consider when using yoga for pain relief. One is to make sure you are not pushing too hard, or you could risk making the injury worse. For this reason, speak to your doctor or physical therapist for advice before starting a yoga practice.
Another thing to consider is where you practice. While home practice works very well for many people, this may not be the best choice when practicing for pain relief. A qualified yoga therapist or instructor with training and knowledge of your specific health condition or injury can help you custom design a practice to meet your needs without risking additional injury.