Welcome to Yoga Exercise
Yoga Benefits Article
Yoga and Neck Problems: What's the Risk?
Paul M. Jerard Jr.
Firstly, a Yoga student, who has such a serious ailment, should
get their doctor's permission before starting to practice Yoga
with a teacher. If possible, get a doctor's referral to a
particular Yoga teacher, who is more knowledgeable in this area.
Many doctors often network with local Yoga teachers, studios,
and ashrams, for the benefit of their patients.
Chair Yoga classes may be advisable in some instances. Yoga
postures practiced during chair Yoga classes will not put
pressure on the neck. It is also wise to find a teacher who has
been thoroughly trained in the use of props, modifications, and
completely understands your ailment.
Find a Yoga teacher who is understanding, gentle, and
knowledgeable. At that point, set up an interview with your
prospective Yoga teacher, and explain your ailment in detail.
The methods, personalities, knowledge, and patience, of
instructors who are teaching Yoga, will vary.
Some of the poses that I would not recommend would be: Sirsasana
(Headstand); Sarvangasana (Shoulder Stand); Halasana (Plow
Posture); or any other posture that could cause severe
compression on the cervical vertebrae (neck). Also, your doctor
should be made aware of any "risky" movements and positions
performed in a Yoga class, such as, chin locks, neck rolls, and
fingers clasped behind the neck.
You will find it is important not to do any exercises or
postures that hurt, even a little bit. Pain is your body's way
of telling you, "not to do that" and "stop now." The Yoga
exercises, that will help you the most, are those where you will
feel a smooth and gentle stretch. If you don't feel a gentle
stretch, I suspect those Yoga poses are not doing you much good.
If any Yoga exercises hurt at all, stop doing them immediately.
I have yet to see a student, patient, or client, benefit from
doing any Yoga pose that caused pain. To continue further on
this point: Any treatment, of any kind, (Chiropractic, massage,
physical therapy, or Yoga), should be with the goal of less
pain. Why do it, at all, if you are going to be in more pain?
Learning Yoga for a serious condition, such as a neck ailment,
should be practiced under maximum supervision of a competent
Yoga teacher. I would suggest at least one private lesson before
trying a group Yoga class. A Yoga teacher may suggest, at least,
a few private Yoga sessions, so that the student understands all
the safety guidelines.
As educational as Yoga videos are, they are no substitution for
the guidance of a competent Yoga instructor.
© Copyright 2005 - Paul Jerard / Aura Publications
About the author:
Paul Jerard is the director of Yoga teacher training at Aura in
RI. He's a master instructor of martial arts and Yoga. He
teaches Yoga, martial arts, and fitness. He wrote: Is Running a
Yoga Business Right for You? For Yoga students wanting to be a
Yoga teacher. http://www.yoga-teacher-training.org
Yoga Benefits News
yoga benefits
IMPORTANT: Bing News RSS feed has moved!
SOUTHGATE — Yoga 4 Peace, 13550 Dix-Toledo, is a nonprofit organization aimed at making sure everyone can enjoy the benefits of yoga without going broke. Yoga 4 Peace was started in 2009 by Jim Pero, who used to own Rising Sun Yoga in ...
Read moreBIZ - SOUTHGATE: Nonprofit Yoga 4 Peace to hold fundraiser at arts center
Sarvangasana (shoulder stand) is referred to as the “Queen of Yoga Poses,” because it offers many benefits for the body – so many, that it could almost be a daily prescription for good health. The root of the Sanskrit word “sarvangasana,” sarva ...
Read moreSarvangasana – it’s a shoulder stand, not a neck stand
lasting benefits of yoga. And while team sports are great, I think it's important to promote physical activities that kids can still be doing at age 80. Like yoga. I would think the benefits of yoga would outweigh those of most other activities.
Read moreThe Parent 'Hood: Is yoga the best choice for a tween-ager?
"Outside yoga is a little different. Instead of closing ourselves from the world, we're going to bring everything in," said Enderle, who guided students to the benefits of each yoga pose and movement. She explained that her style, called Sugi ...
Read moreTeacher takes yoga to the great outdoors
CARNEGIE, Pa., May 17, 2012 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Put on your comfortable clothes and join with other fellow yoga enthusiasts for an evening of relaxation and renewal. "108 Salutations for Salvation ... Giving With Gratitude" is Pittsburgh's first ...
Read moreRelax, Rejuvenate And Give Back; "108 Salutations for Salvation" Yoga Event To Benefit Salvation Army Family Caring Center
Yoga can be an excellent choice of exercise. We tend to get the most benefit from a mixture of different types of activity, each providing different benefits, so it would be ideal to also add in some regular walking, swimming, biking or other type of aerobic activities.
Read moreAntioxidants in Berries, Yoga for Weight Loss
But a new avenue to wellness — Thai Yoga Massage — combines the benefits of both. Practitioner Beth Sforza Yazell said the goals of TYM are similar to other types of massage that soothe muscles, provide relaxation and promote health.
Read moreThai Yoga Massage blends age-old wellness practices (video)
Healing Hands believes yoga is a gift, a treasure and a tool. It understands how yoga can help structure a new body. Now, it brings its benefits to the public! By incorporating yoga into its modalities, Healing Hands can help create a greater level of ...
Read moreHealing Hands Now Offers New Sunday Yoga Classes - 11am at Haixa in Punta Mita, Mexico.
"Daily yoga practice is known to provide numerous health benefits, reduce stress and is a terrific asset to any training program," said Andrew Walworth, Sportskool's president and CEO of parent company Grace Creek Media. "We wanted to create an easy way ...
Read more