Natural Relief: Yoga For Back Pain?
Back pain is one of the most common ailments that Americans face. And while medications can help, most doctors agree that strengthening and stretching the muscles in the back is one of the best ways to relieve long-term pain. Some people try try yoga for back pain. What is Yoga?
Yoga is a practice that dates back thousands of years. It strives to create a balance between the body and mind, and works to promote strength and flexibility. It is done through a series of poses. Each pose has its own name and purpose, whether physical or mental. While there are different types of yoga, they differ mostly in approach (speed of poses, heat of studio, etc.), all use the same basic poses and principles. Why You Should Stay Away from Yoga Although at times We are bombarded by messages of yoga’s peaceful and healthful benefits, what we don’t hear, especially here in the United States, is the true origins of this type of lifestyle. The postures practiced are postures that are actually offered to the some 330 million Hindu gods. Without going deep into Hindu beliefs, let me suffice to say Yoga postures really are offerings to the gods. The premise is, if you do this specific posture and you do this breathing technique and this meditation, then you will be accepted by a god, little “G.” If you believe in 'a' God, one supreme being, then you do not want to be offering your body to many little gods, because they are working to keep you from the true peace of God, even though in the short run, the stretching may provide relief. The best suggestion is to do an exercise plan or routine but avoid the specific positions and poses of yoga. A certified personal trainer who has visited India on a mission trip would often see people in the streets doing yoga poses in front of the statues of the gods. |