Traditionally, yoga asanas have been practised to improve physical and mental health. The term comes from a Sanskrit word that means “position” or “pose”. Even though gyms are new concepts, performing yoga asanas is a practice dating thousands of years. Asanas are not necessarily intense exercises, according to studies, but can help one lose weight, stabilise period cramps, improve heart and digestive health as well as improve weight loss and improve flexibility and stability. One can do yoga even at home. All you need is a yoga mat.
Try these easy yet effective yoga asanas to get rid of lower back pain
Yoga’s focus on balance and steadiness encourages your body to develop defences against the causes of back pain, such as weak abdominal and pelvic muscles, as well as lack of flexibility in the hips. Strengthening these muscles will help you maintain a better posture, which in turn will reduce the load on your back and the pain that you feel. Stretching can also help you become more flexible by increasing blood flow to tight muscles.
To get rid of your lower back pain, it is recommended that you try these yoga poses which are easy to practise and can be easily done at home.
When you lie flat on the floor, place your palms face down by your ribs and press your toes into the ground. As you draw your legs together and press your feet against the floor, lift your chest up using the strength of your back, not your hands. First, your legs should be extended straight out. Repeat this position for 5 to 10 breaths.
Inhale and stand with your feet shoulder-width apart with your knees loose, not locked. Bend forward while exhaling by hinged at the waist. Do not worry if you cannot reach all the way to the floor at first; just stop wherever your hamstrings feel a comfortable stretch. Repeat the pose five to seven times.
Taking a position on your all-fours, slowly press your spine upwards and arch your back. Hold for a few seconds, and then move into Cow pose by scooping your spine into a rounded position, pressing your shoulder blades back, and raising your head. Repeat ten times, flowing from Cat to Cow and then back to Cat to ease tension in the muscles. Repeat this sequence for a few more times to get better results.
The purpose of asanas is to lubricate the muscles, joints, ligaments, and other parts of the body. Besides increasing circulation and flexibility, they also help improve internal body health as different asanas target various body parts. Thus, if you suffer from a health condition, you can search for an asana that will help you treat it.