How I escaped crippling back pain and help my students have full mobility, strength and amazing quality of life

{"slug":"my-escape-from-crippling-back-pain","recentPosts":[{"id":"clgc1nu7j1uwk0birznqai3x1","slug":"10-yoga-poses-for-multiple-sclerosis","author":{"name":"Will","teacherMytSlug":"will-1","pictureUrl":"will.jpeg"},"title":"10 Yoga Poses to Enhance Wellness for Multiple Sclerosis Patients","subTitle":null,"seoTitle":null,"seoDescription":"Learn about Yoga for Multiple Sclerosis and how it can help manage symptoms. Improve your quality of life with these yoga poses.","readTime":null,"excerpt":"Discover yoga for multiple sclerosis - improve your quality of life with these poses.","tags":[],"createdAt":"2023-04-11T09:12:29.35505+00:00","coverUrl":"aydrjq4doquwuaot8kt7.jpg","content":{"text":"Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic autoimmune disease that affects the central nervous system. It can cause a range of symptoms, including fatigue, muscle weakness, and difficulty with balance and coordination. While there is no cure for MS, practicing yoga can help manage symptoms and improve overall health and well-being. Before starting a yoga practice, it's important to consult with a healthcare provider to ensure safety and effectiveness.\\n\\nBenefits of Yoga for Multiple Sclerosis\\nStress and Fatigue Reduction: Yoga provides a calming and relaxing effect on the body and mind, which can help ease the mental and physical stresses of MS. It can lead to a reduction in fatigue levels and promote a more peaceful state of mind.\\nImproved Balance and Coordination: MS can cause issues with balance and coordination, but yoga can help improve these areas. The practice of yoga involves movements that require balance and coordination, which can improve the function of the nervous system.\\nIncreased Flexibility and Strength: Yoga poses require the use of muscles that may not be utilized in everyday activities. Practicing yoga regularly can lead to increased flexibility and strength, which can improve overall fitness levels.\\nRespiratory Function Improvement: MS can affect respiratory function, but yoga can help improve breathing patterns. Certain yoga practices involve deep breathing exercises that can help increase lung capacity and oxygenation of the body.\\nPain Management: MS can cause pain and discomfort, but yoga can be an effective tool for managing these symptoms. The gentle movements of yoga can help relieve tension and tightness in the muscles, which can reduce pain and improve overall comfort.\\nImproved Overall Health and Well-Being: By providing a range of physical and mental benefits, yoga can improve overall health and well-being for individuals with MS. Regular practice can promote a sense of inner calm and peacefulness, which can positively impact all areas of life.\\n\\nYoga Poses for Multiple Sclerosis Symptom Management\\nSeated or chair yoga poses are ideal for individuals with limited mobility, while standing poses are suitable for those with greater mobility. Focus on poses that improve balance, coordination, and flexibility, such as:\\n\\n1.Child's Pose (Balasana): \\n\\nSit on your heels with your knees apart, and fold your torso forward, resting your forehead on the floor. Stretch your arms forward, palms facing down. Hold for 5-10 deep breaths.\\n\\n2.Cat-Cow (Marjaryasana-Bitilasana): \\n\\nStart on your hands and knees, with your wrists under your shoulders and knees under your hips. Inhale and lift your chest and tailbone towards the ceiling (Cow pose), and exhale, rounding your spine towards the ceiling (Cat pose). Repeat for 5-10 breaths.\\n\\n3.Warrior II (Virabhadrasana II): \\n\\nFrom a standing position, step your left foot back and turn it out 90 degrees. Bend your right knee, keeping it directly over your ankle. Extend your arms out to the sides, and gaze over your right hand. Hold for 5-10 breaths and repeat on the other side.\\n\\n4.Tree Pose (Vrksasana): \\n\\nStand with your feet hip-distance apart, and shift your weight onto your left foot. Place your right foot on your left thigh, and balance here. Place your hands in prayer position at your heart or extend your arms overhead. Hold for 5-10 breaths and repeat on the other side.\\n\\n5.Downward-Facing Dog (Adho Mukha Svanasana): \\n\\nFrom a tabletop position, walk your hands forward and lift your hips up and back, forming an inverted V-shape with your body. Press your hands and feet into the ground and hold for 5-10 breaths.\\n\\n6.Warrior I (Virabhadrasana I): \\n\\nFrom a standing position, step your left foot back and turn it out 45 degrees. Bend your right knee, keeping it directly over your ankle. Extend your arms overhead and gaze forward. Hold for 5-10 breaths and repeat on the other side.\n\\n7.Sphinx Pose (Salamba Bhujangasana): \\n\\nLie on your stomach with your elbows under your shoulders and forearms on the ground. Press into your forearms and lift your chest up, keeping your shoulders relaxed. Hold for 5-10 breaths.\n\\n8.Bridge Pose (Setu Bandha Sarvangasana): \\n\\nLie on your back with your knees bent and feet hip-distance apart. Press into your feet and lift your hips up, keeping your arms and shoulders on the ground. Hold for 5-10 breaths.\\n\\n9.Triangle Pose (Trikonasana): \\n\\nFrom a standing position, step your left foot back and turn it out 90 degrees. Extend your arms out to the sides and reach forward with your right hand, placing it on your shin or a block. Gaze up at your left hand. Hold for 5-10 breaths and repeat on the other side.\\n\\n10.Corpse Pose (Savasana): \\n\\nLie on your back with your arms and legs extended. Close your eyes and focus on your breath, allowing your body to fully relax. Stay here for at least 5-10 minutes.\\n\\nBreathing and Meditation Practices for Yoga for Multiple Sclerosis\\nHere are some breathing and meditation practices that can be incorporated into a yoga practice for multiple sclerosis symptom management:\\n\nDeep Breathing: Sit comfortably and take deep, slow breaths through the nose, filling the lungs completely. Exhale slowly through the nose, releasing all the air. Repeat for several minutes.\\nAlternate Nostril Breathing: Sit comfortably and use the thumb to close one nostril while inhaling through the other. Then, use the ring finger to close the opposite nostril while exhaling through the first. Repeat for several minutes.\\nMindful Breathing: Focus on the sensation of the breath as it enters and leaves the body. If the mind wanders, gently bring the focus back to the breath.\\nBody Scan Meditation: Lie down or sit comfortably and bring attention to each part of the body, starting from the toes and moving up to the head. Notice any sensations or tensions and release them as you move through each part.\\n\\nConclusion\\nPracticing yoga can provide many benefits for individuals with multiple sclerosis, including reduced stress and fatigue, improved balance and coordination, and increased flexibility and strength. Incorporating yoga poses and practices into your routine can help manage symptoms and improve overall health and well-being. Remember to consult with a healthcare provider and find a qualified yoga teacher to begin a safe and effective practice."},"category":["fitness"]},{"id":"clg55sr3657wd0airoeszt66q","slug":"yoga-for-carpal-tunnel-syndrom","author":{"name":"Will","teacherMytSlug":"will-1","pictureUrl":"will.jpeg"},"title":"Yoga for Carpal Tunnel: Top 10 Yoga Poses, Benefits, FAQs","subTitle":null,"seoTitle":null,"seoDescription":"Alleviate carpal tunnel symptoms with yoga! Discover 10 poses to reduce pain and improve wrist and hand health. Learn best practices and protect yourself.","readTime":null,"excerpt":"Relieve carpal tunnel with yoga! 10 poses to manage symptoms and improve wrist and hand health.","tags":[],"createdAt":"2023-04-06T13:33:53.820514+00:00","coverUrl":"fyzezortjqar8ovbd4vf.jpg","content":{"text":"Do you ever experience pain or tingling in your hands and fingers? It could be carpal tunnel syndrome, a common condition that affects many people who use their hands and wrists frequently. Carpal tunnel syndrome is caused by the compression of the median nerve in the wrist, which can lead to discomfort, numbness, and weakness in the hand and fingers.\\nFortunately, yoga can offer a natural and effective way to manage carpal tunnel syndrome symptoms. In this article, we'll explore some yoga poses and practices that can help relieve pain and improve flexibility in the wrists and hands.\n\n\\nBenefits of Yoga for Carpal Tunnel Syndrome\\nYoga has many benefits for overall health and wellness, and it can be particularly helpful for managing carpal tunnel syndrome symptoms. Here are just a few of the benefits:\\nReducing pain:\\n Certain yoga poses can help stretch and strengthen the muscles in the wrist and hand, which can reduce pain and discomfort.\\nImproving flexibility: \\nTight muscles and tendons in the wrist and hand can exacerbate carpal tunnel syndrome symptoms, but yoga can help improve flexibility and mobility.\\nReducing stress:\\n Stress and tension in the body can contribute to carpal tunnel syndrome symptoms, but yoga can help reduce stress levels and promote relaxation.\n\\n\\nYoga Poses for Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Relief\\nYoga poses, or asanas, can be a powerful tool for managing carpal tunnel syndrome symptoms. Here are a few poses to try:\\n\n\\n1.Gomukhasana (Cow Face Pose): \\n\\nThis pose can help stretch the wrists and forearms, reducing pain and stiffness. To perform this pose, sit on the floor with your legs extended in front of you. Bend your right knee and place your right foot on the floor, outside your left thigh. Bring your left heel toward your right buttock. Cross your left arm over your right arm and bring your palms together. Hold for 5-10 breaths, then switch sides.\\n\n\\n2.Adho Mukha Svanasana (Downward-Facing Dog Pose): \\n\\nThis pose can help stretch the muscles in the hands, wrists, and arms, improving flexibility and reducing pain. Start on your hands and knees, with your wrists directly under your shoulders and your knees directly under your hips. Lift your hips up and back, straightening your arms and legs. Press your hands into the floor and lengthen through your spine. Hold for 5-10 breaths.\\n\n\\n3.Garudasana (Eagle Pose): \\n\\nThis pose can help strengthen the muscles in the hands and wrists, which can improve grip strength and reduce pain. To perform this pose, stand with your feet hip-width apart and your arms at your sides. Bring your right arm under your left arm, and bend both elbows to bring your palms together. Cross your right thigh over your left thigh. Balance on your left foot and hold for 5-10 breaths, then switch sides.\\n\n\\n4.Utthita Trikonasana (Extended Triangle Pose): \\n\\nThis pose can help stretch the wrists and forearms, promoting flexibility and reducing pain. To perform this pose, stand with your feet about 3-4 feet apart. Turn your right foot out 90 degrees and your left foot in slightly. Reach your right arm forward and hinge at your hip to reach your right hand toward your right shin or the floor. Extend your left arm straight up toward the ceiling. Hold for 5-10 breaths, then switch sides.\\n\n\\n5.Padangusthasana (Big Toe Pose): \\n\\nThis pose can help stretch the muscles in the hands, wrists, and arms, improving flexibility and reducing pain. To perform this pose, stand with your feet hip-width apart. Inhale and lift your arms up overhead. Exhale and fold forward, reaching for your big toes with your hands. Hold for 5-10 breaths.\\n\\n6.Marjariasana (Cat Pose): \\n\\nThis pose can help stretch and mobilize the wrists, reducing stiffness and promoting flexibility. To perform this pose, start on your hands and knees, with your wrists directly under your shoulders and your knees directly under your hips. Inhale and arch your back, lifting your tailbone and dropping your belly. Exhale and round your spine, tucking your chin to your chest. Repeat for several breaths.\n\\n7.Bitilasana (Cow Pose): \\n\\nThis pose can help stretch and mobilize the wrists, reducing stiffness and promoting flexibility. To perform this pose, start on your hands and knees, with your wrists directly under your shoulders and your knees directly under your hips. Inhale and arch your back, lifting your tailbone and dropping your belly. Hold for a breath or two, then return to neutral spine.\n\\n8.Matsyasana (Fish Pose):\\n\\nThis pose can help stretch the chest and shoulders, relieving tension in the upper body and reducing carpal tunnel syndrome symptoms. To perform this pose, lie on your back with your knees bent and your feet flat on the floor. Lift your hips and slide your hands, palms down, under your buttocks. Press your forearms and elbows into the floor and lift your chest. Hold for 5-10 breaths.\\n\\n9.Baddha Konasana (Butterfly Pose):\\n \\n\\nThis pose can help stretch the inner thighs, hips, and groin, which can alleviate pressure on the wrists and hands. To perform this pose, sit on the floor with the soles of your feet together and your knees bent out to the sides. Hold your ankles or feet with your hands and gently press your knees down toward the floor. Hold for 5-10 breaths.\n\\n10\\n.\\nUttanasana (Standing Forward Bend)\\n: \\n\\nThis pose can help stretch the muscles in the hands, wrists, and arms, reducing stiffness and promoting flexibility. To perform this pose, stand with your feet hip-width apart. Inhale and lift your arms up overhead. Exhale and fold forward, reaching for the floor with your hands. Hold for 5-10 breaths. If you have difficulty reaching the floor, you can place your hands on blocks or a chair seat.\n\n\\nBreathing and Meditation Practices for Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Relief\\nIn addition to yoga poses, breathing exercises and meditation can be helpful for managing carpal tunnel syndrome symptoms. Here are a few practices to try:\\nDeep Breathing:\\n Taking slow, deep breaths can help reduce stress and tension in the body, which can contribute to carpal tunnel syndrome symptoms.\\nGuided Meditation:\\n Guided meditations can help promote relaxation and reduce stress, which can in turn reduce carpal tunnel syndrome symptoms.\\nVisualization:\\n Visualizing the body healing and repairing itself can help reduce pain and promote healing in the wrists and hands.\n\\n\\nTips for Practicing Yoga with Carpal Tunnel Syndrome\\nWhen practicing yoga with carpal tunnel syndrome, it's important to listen to your body and modify your practice as needed. Here are a few tips to keep in mind:\\nUse Props\\n: Props like blocks or straps can help make poses more accessible and comfortable.\\nModify Poses\\n: If a pose is too painful or uncomfortable, modify it or skip it altogether.\\nBe Mindful\\n: Pay attention to your body and how it feels during your practice. If a certain pose or practice is causing pain or discomfort, stop and modify or skip it.\\n\\nConclusion:\\nManaging carpal tunnel syndrome symptoms can be a challenge, but incorporating yoga into your routine can be a natural and effective way to find relief. By practicing yoga poses, breathing exercises, and meditation regularly, you can improve flexibility, reduce pain, and promote relaxation in your wrists and hands. Give it a try and see how yoga can benefit your carpal tunnel syndrome symptoms today!\n\n\\nFrequently Asked Questions about Carpal Tunnel Syndrome\\n\\nQ1. How can yoga help people with carpal tunnel syndrome?\\nAns: \\nYoga is a great way to manage carpal tunnel syndrome symptoms! Certain yoga poses can help stretch and strengthen the muscles in the wrists, hands, and arms, which can relieve pressure on the median nerve and reduce symptoms like pain, numbness, and tingling. Plus, practicing yoga can help reduce inflammation, increase flexibility, and improve circulation in the affected area.\\n\\nQ2. What yoga poses should you avoid with carpal tunnel?\\nAns:\\n If you have carpal tunnel syndrome, it's important to avoid yoga poses that put too much pressure on the wrists or require excessive bending or flexing of the hands. Poses like Chaturanga Dandasana (Four-Limbed Staff Pose), Adho Mukha Svanasana (Downward-Facing Dog Pose), and Plank Pose can worsen carpal tunnel symptoms and should be avoided. Instead, focus on poses that gently stretch and strengthen the wrists and hands.\n\\nQ3.What are the best practices for carpal tunnel?\\nAns:\\n In addition to practicing yoga, there are several other best practices for managing carpal tunnel syndrome. These include taking frequent breaks from repetitive tasks that strain the wrists and hands, using ergonomic tools and equipment to reduce strain, maintaining good posture, and engaging in regular exercise and stretching to promote overall health and flexibility. It's important to take care of yourself both on and off the mat!\n\\nQ4.How can you protect yourself from carpal tunnel?\\nAns:\\n There are several steps you can take to protect yourself from developing carpal tunnel syndrome. Using ergonomic tools and equipment, taking frequent breaks from repetitive tasks, and maintaining good posture can all help reduce your risk. Engaging in regular exercise and stretching can also help keep your hands and wrists healthy and flexible. Remember to listen to your body and take action if you notice any symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome, such as pain, numbness, or tingling in the hands or wrists. A healthcare provider can help diagnose and treat any issues before they become more serious."},"category":["fitness"]},{"id":"clg3manw0c2300bk8q089x7gd","slug":"yoga-for-improved-mobility","author":{"name":"Will","teacherMytSlug":"will-1","pictureUrl":"will.jpeg"},"title":"Top 10 Yoga Poses for Improved Mobility: Unlock Your Body's Potential","subTitle":null,"seoTitle":null,"seoDescription":"Yoga is an incredibly efficient tool for improving your mobility for the better, regardless of your age, background, or ability.","readTime":null,"excerpt":"Learn about the best yoga poses for improving your mobility.\n","tags":[],"createdAt":"2023-04-05T11:40:10.955124+00:00","coverUrl":"mo0n5st8ek3dj2p0m8ib.jpg","content":{"text":"We know that yoga can help elevate your mental and emotional wellbeing, but it’s actually an incredibly efficient tool for improving your mobility for the better, regardless of your age, background, or ability.\\nWhat do we mean by mobility, and why is it important? Mobility refers to the level of ease with which you can move your body. This affects your ability to walk, run, lift, and engage in physical activities like sports, dancing, or just playing in the backyard with your kids or grandkids. Your level of mobility directly translates to your overall well-being, and it can greatly influence whether or not you experience chronic pain.\\n\\nHow Yoga Improves Mobility?\\nA typical yoga practice includes performing a holistic routine of stretches that work to improve your flexibility, balance, and strength — which all directly impact your mobility. Let’s break down how each of those factors work.\\nFlexibility refers to the range of motion between your joints and muscles, and an inflexible body is rigid, stiff, and achy, with a relatively small range of motion. A regular yoga routine can help lengthen and strengthen your muscles, improving your range of motion while preventing injury and reducing your risk for chronic pain. Along with increasing mobility, improving your flexibility also puts less strain on your body overall.\\nBuilding strength is crucial to achieve better mobility, since stronger muscles give you better stability, balance, and control over your movements. Yoga targets muscle groups and makes them stronger, more toned, and more capable of increased movement with more control. Increasing strength also helps prevent injury, improves your sense of balance, and reduces your risk for issues later in life – like osteoporosis.\\nIt may be surprising to learn that yogic breathing can also help improve your mobility. By calming your mind, improving your awareness, and relaxing your body, you can build a greater connection with your physical self and reduce tension. This can lead to an increase in your range of motion and a better understanding of your personal limitations.\\nThe best part about yoga is that it's low impact, and it's approachable for everyone. It doesn’t matter how old you are, or whether or not you’re a beginner. You can start out with slow, gentle movements that can greatly improve your mobility without the risk of injury. You can also practice yoga in the comfort of your own home, by following the sequence below or working with one of the many qualified yoga instructors available here at \\nMyYogaTeacher\\n.\\n\\nYoga Poses for Better Mobility\\nTo get started practicing yoga for improved physical mobility, try performing the poses below several times per week over an extended period of time. \\n1.Sun Salutations\\n\\nStart at the top of your mat in Mountain pose, with your hands in prayer position. With flowing, dynamic movement, progress through the following postures 3 or more times:\\nUpward Salute\\nStanding Half-Forward Bend\\nStanding Forward Fold\\nLow Lunge (left foot forward)\\nPlank\\nFour-Limbed Staff pose\\nUpward Facing Dog or Cobra\\nDownward Facing Dog\\nLow Lunge (right foot forward)\\nStanding Half-Forward Bend\\nStanding Forward Fold\\nUpward Salute\\nReturn to Mountain pose\\nRepeat\\n\\n2. Chair Pose\\n\\nStand in Mountain pose at the top of your mat, with your hands at your sides and feet hip distance apart. As you inhale, raise your hands over your head, with your arms parallel with your ears. As you exhale, hinge slightly at your waist, bend your knees and lower your torso forward as if you were about to sit down in a chair. Keep your core engaged and your spine straight while you hold this posture for several breaths.\\n\\n3. Downward Facing Dog\\n\\nStart in a tabletop position, with your hands and knees on your mat. Push up from your hands and knees, lifting your hips until you are balanced on your hands and feet, with your body resembling an inverted “v.” Keep your head in between your arms, ears balanced over your shoulders, and stay in this pose for several breaths.\\n\\n4. Low Lunge\\n\\nFrom your position in Downward Dog, you can easily transition to Low Lunge by bringing your left foot forward and bending your left leg at the knee. With your right leg behind you, gently kneel on your right knee. Inhale as you reach your arms up over your head, parallel with your ears. Expand your chest, lengthen your spine, keep your chin level and your gaze focused forward in front of you.\\n\\n5. Plank\\n\\nLie face down on your mat, and using your palms to push up from the floor, lift your body until you are balanced on your palms and the toes of your feet. In this pose, your body should be positioned in a straight line, with your gaze directed at the floor in front of you. Hold for a few breaths, or for 30-60 seconds if you are feeling strong in this pose.\\n\\n6. Cobra Pose\\n\\nStart by laying with your stomach facing down on the floor, with your legs straight and your arms folded under your head. Place your palms on the mat parallel to your chest. Slightly lift your head off the mat, keeping your head and back aligned, and press your thighs together. Now, steadily pull your elbows towards your rib cage keeping your hands underneath your shoulders. With a deep inhale, press your hands into the mat, curl your shoulders backward, and lift your upper body off the mat, arching your back. Hold this position for a few breaths and then rest.\\n\\n7. Cat-Cow Pose\\n\\nStart in a tabletop position with your hands and knees on the floor. Inhale and look up, lifting your chin and gently arching your spine. As you exhale, drop your chin and look down toward your naval as you curl your spine forward. Continue this movement 5-10 times.\\n\\n8. Bow Pose\\n\\nLie down on your stomach with your forehead against the mat and your hands resting at your sides. Inhale and engage your core, slightly lifting your torso up, bending your legs and grabbing your ankles with each hand. Open your chest and lift your chin, so that your gaze is facing forward. Maintain a steady breath while holding this pose, allowing your body to gently rock back and forth with each inhale and exhale. Release after 20-30 seconds.\\n\\n9. Bridge Pose\\n\\nStart by lying on your back with your knees bent. On your next exhale, tuck your chin and lift your hips, being careful not to allow your knees to splay outward. Interlace your fingers on the floor underneath you and lift your hips higher, while staying in the pose for 5-10 breaths.\\n\\n10. Corpse Pose\\n\\nSit on your yoga mat and lower your body to the floor, relaxing your legs and letting your arms rest on the floor at your sides, palms up. Keep your eyes closed and focus on your breathing. Relax the muscles in your face and neck, and visualize every part of your body letting go of all tension. Hold this pose for 5-7 minutes.\\n"},"category":[]},{"id":"clg0gw3o0ycc30ak0rlfm4ea9","slug":"yoga-for-endometriosis","author":{"name":"Will","teacherMytSlug":"will-1","pictureUrl":"will.jpeg"},"title":"Yoga for Endometriosis: 6 Easy Poses to Try at Home","subTitle":null,"seoTitle":null,"seoDescription":"Yoga can help ease symptoms of endometriosis, and it’s a great option for women who are looking for a low-risk, low impact way to cope with the condition.","readTime":null,"excerpt":"Learn the best yoga poses for endometriosis symptoms.\n","tags":[],"createdAt":"2023-04-03T06:45:34.990165+00:00","coverUrl":"htglzgglkwtr6is6mzmi.jpg","content":{"text":"Endometriosis is a disorder that affects about 190 million women worldwide, causing painful periods, infertility, and other severe symptoms that can significantly reduce the overall quality of their lives. While science is still working to fully understand endometriosis, right now there are a few ways in which women can manage the symptoms of this painful condition, including medication, surgery and various forms of therapy. Yoga can also help ease symptoms, and it’s a great option for women who are looking for a low-risk, low impact way to cope with endometriosis.\\nYoga helps reduce the troubling symptoms of endometriosis in a few different ways. The overall practice of yoga activates the parasympathetic nervous system, which is responsible for operating the body's relaxation and digestive responses. These responses tell your body to slow down and rest, which are crucial when it comes to reducing the pain, anxiety, and stress that comes with endometriosis.\\nYoga also enhances blood flow to your reproductive organs, which can help reduce inflammation and promote healing. Yoga poses work to stretch the muscles and tissues around your uterus and ovaries, which can help reduce the intensity and duration of menstrual cramps.  Endometriosis commonly causes intense chronic pain in the pelvis, lower back, and hips, which yoga can help alleviate through gentle stretches and movement that help open up and relax the muscles in these areas.\\nEndometriosis can also cause infertility due to scarring around the reproductive organs, but yoga can help offset this issue by increasing blood flow to the area and lowering inflammation. Yoga also works to balance your hormones by reducing cortisol and other stress hormones and regulating your menstrual cycle.\\nIn terms of mental health, yoga is one of the most effective tools in managing anxiety and depression, which are common symptoms of endometriosis. This condition can cause immense chronic pain, which typically results in emotional distress that yoga can help alleviate. Yoga sends signals to your mind and body that encourage both to relax, reducing tension, calming anxious thoughts, and improving your sense of well-being.\\n\\nWhat Types of Yoga are Best for Endometriosis?\\nThere are many different kinds of yoga, but if you’re experiencing symptoms of endometriosis you may want to stick with gentle postures like those you would perform in Hatha, Restorative, Gentle, or Yin yoga. These types of yoga focus on easy, low-impact movement, along with relaxation and stress reduction, and they typically involve some type of yogic breath work – which can also help reduce inflammation and chronic pain.\\nIf you’re considering yoga for managing your symptoms of endometriosis, there are certain precautions you should take in order to avoid making those symptoms worse. While you’re on your period, it’s important to avoid inverted postures that might interrupt or change your body’s natural flow. If a specific posture causes pain or discomfort, exit the pose immediately and take a break. It’s important to listen to your body and avoid any kind of position that doesn’t feel good. If you’re unsure about your alignment or you’d like some guidance on how to practice yoga for endometriosis, you can enroll in an online class or book a private session with one of the instructors here at \\nMyYogaTeacher\\n.\n\\n6 Easy Yoga Poses for Endometriosis\\nIf you’re experiencing the painful symptoms of endometriosis, try the gentle poses below for some relief.\\n1.Child’s Pose\\n\\nStart on your hands and knees and then lower yourself down so that your backside is resting on your heels, and your big toes are touching each other. Move your hands forward, palms down, so that your forehead is resting on the floor. Allow your spine to lengthen and your neck muscles to fully relax. Breathe deeply and mindfully while staying in this pose for 5-6 minutes.\n\\n2. Cat-Cow Pose\\n\\nStart in a tabletop position with your hands and knees on the floor. Inhale and look up, lifting your chin and gently arching your spine. As you exhale, drop your chin and look down toward your naval as you curl your spine forward. Continue this movement 5-10 times.\\n\\n3. Fixed Angle Pose\\n\\nSit on your yoga mat with your knees bent and the soles of your feet pressed against each other. With your spine straight, press your hands behind you and gently open up your chest and tuck in your abdomen. Hold the pose for 1-2 minutes.\\n\\n4. Seated Forward Fold Pose\\n\\nSit in the center of your mat with your legs stretched out in front of you. Take a deep inhale and raise your arms directly over your head. As you exhale, slowly lean forward and place your head and chest on top of your legs, and grab your big toes with both of your hands. Tuck your chin and curl abdomen, relaxing your lower back as you sink into this pose. Hold for one minute.\\n\\n5. Supine Twist Pose\\n\\nLie on the floor with your knees bent and bring them to your chest. Slowly and mindfully drop your left side while extending your arms outward in a “t” shape. Hold this pose for about 30 seconds while breathing mindfully. Bring your knees back to your chest, and then repeat on your right side.\\n\\n6. Legs Up The Wall Pose\\n\\nPlace a folded blanket parallel against a wall. Sit sideways in the middle of the blanket, and turn yourself toward the wall, lifting your legs up and propping them against the wall. Lay back comfortably, rest your head and neck on the floor, and fully straighten your legs. Spread your arms out to your sides with your palms facing up. Allow your chest, abdomen, and pelvis to completely relax. Breathe evenly and mindfully while holding this pose for 5-8 minutes.\\n\\nPranayama for Endometriosis\\nYogic breath work can help ease feelings of stress and anxiety, while giving you tools with which to manage pain. Try these breathing exercises to encourage a sense of calm and relaxation.\\n1.Nadi Sodhana or “Alternate Nostril Breathing”\\nExhale completely, and then place your right index finger onto your right nostril, and breathe deeply in through the left. Alternate and place your thumb over your left nostril, and exhale through your right. Continue alternating, repeating at least 10 times.\\n\\n2. Ujjayi or Ocean’s Breath\\nStart by breathing in through your mouth. As you exhale, pull in your chin in toward your body and so that your throat is partly constricted. Then, breathe in and out through your nose, making a slight sound that is similar to the ocean.\\n"},"category":["yoga_poses"]},{"id":"clg0fojrzxeqr0biq6yvfzdjk","slug":"yoga-for-acid-reflux","author":{"name":"Will","teacherMytSlug":"will-1","pictureUrl":"will.jpeg"},"title":"Yoga and Digestion: 8 Poses to Help Ease Acid Reflux Symptoms","subTitle":null,"seoTitle":null,"seoDescription":"Yoga helps alleviate symptoms of acid reflux and prevent onset by reducing stress and anxiety, activating your digestive system, and improving your posture.","readTime":null,"excerpt":"Learn the best poses for reducing acid reflux.\n","tags":[],"createdAt":"2023-04-03T06:11:42.97583+00:00","coverUrl":"ckauzlgegiwd249grkhg.jpg","content":{"text":"If you experience acid reflux on a regular basis, then you’re already familiar with how it typically unfolds. It often starts with a burning sensation in your chest and the repeated urge to burp and let go of accumulated gas. There are lots of reasons why acid reflux occurs, including a number of lifestyle factors like poor diet and emotional stress. Thankfully, yoga can help manage symptoms and reduce episodes if they are stress-related. \\n\\nHow Yoga Helps with Acid Reflux\\nOne of the ways that yoga helps reduce acid reflux is by reducing stress and anxiety. These are the common culprits for acid reflux, because they cause your body to engage in a cascade of fight/flight/freeze responses that includes increased production of stomach acid. By reducing your stress and anxiety, you can help your body avoid switching on that fight/flight/freeze response.\\nAnother way that yoga can reduce acid reflux is through improving your posture and alignment. Poor posture can contribute to chronic acid reflux by placing too much pressure on your stomach and esophagus. Yoga postures that correct your alignment — like Downward Facing Dog and Standing Forward Fold — help relieve this pressure and prevent the onset of acid reflux. It’s important to note that in order to truly improve your posture, you need to practice these poses regularly and for the long term – over time they can help reduce your risk of developing acid reflux in the first place.\\nYoga can also help regulate your digestive system, which is another factor that contributes to acidity. When food gets stuck in your digestive tract, it can cause gas and bloating, slowing your entire digestive system down, which eventually manifests in your stomach with an acidic reaction. By stimulating your digestive system, you can help your body move and process food smoothly through your digestive tract without gas, bloating, or acidity.\\nOne of the most important ways yoga can help prevent acid reflux is by strengthening your diaphragm, which is the muscle that prevents acid from moving up into your esophagus. When the diaphragm is weak or tense, it can actually allow acid reflux to rise up from your stomach and push its way into your esophagus, which is what causes that uncomfortable burning sensation in your chest. Yoga postures that promote diaphragmatic breathing, such as Seated Forward Fold and Corpse pose can help strengthen this muscle and prevent acid reflux.\n\\n\\n8 Effective Yoga Poses for Acid Reflux\\nIn order to get the most benefit from practicing yoga for acid reflux, it’s recommended that you develop a regular routine that involves performing yoga at least 3-4 times per week for 6-9 months. This isn’t a quick fix, but with a long term commitment you can reduce the onset of acid reflux and improve your overall quality of life.\\nThe poses below are basic, primary yoga poses you can practice in your very own home. If you’re unsure how to practice the postures, or you’d like some professional guidance, try working with one of our certified yoga instructors at \\nMyYogaTeacher\\n.\\n1.Mountain Pose\\n\\nStart by standing at the top of your mat with your feet hip distance apart. Balance your weight evenly on both feet. Keep your arms relaxed at your sides, with your spine straight and your chest lifted. Your gaze should be focused straight ahead of you while you breathe easily and gently. Hold the pose for 1-2 minutes.\n\\n2. Standing Forward Fold\\n\\nStand at the front of your mat, feet hip distance apart. Exhale and bend forward from the waist, with your knees slightly bent and touching your hands to the floor in front of your feet. Inhale and exhale, allowing your torso to extend without rounding your back. Lengthen and soften your neck, and let the muscles of your thighs and lower back open and release any built-up tension. Hold the pose for 1-2 minutes.\\n\\n3. Downward Facing Dog Pose\\n\\nWith your hands and knees on the floor, push your hips upward until you are balancing on your hands and feet, and your body resembles an inverted “v” shape. Reach your heels toward the floor, stretching your hamstrings and activating your thighs. Keep your head between your arms, lengthening your side-body as you stretch. Stay here for several breaths.\\n\\n4. Seated Spinal Twist Pose\\n\\nSitting with your knees bent and your feet tucked in next to your left butt cheek, inhale with your spine straight, lifting your chest. As you exhale, rotate your torso to your right. Position your right hand on the floor just slightly behind you, and rest your left hand on your right knee. On your next breath, rotate a little more as you exhale, turning your head to look over your right shoulder. Hold this pose for 20 to 30 seconds, then repeat on the other side.\\n\\n5. Cat-Cow Pose\\n\\nStart with your hands and knees on the floor. Inhale and look up, lifting your chin and gently arching your back. As you exhale, drop your chin and look down toward your naval as you curl your spine forward. Continue this movement 5-10 times.\\n\\n6. Child’s pose Pose\\n\\nStart on your hands and knees and then lower yourself down so that your backside is resting on your heels, and your big toes are touching each other. Move your hands forward, palms down, so that your forehead is resting on the floor. Allow your spine to lengthen and your neck muscles to fully relax. Breathe deeply and mindfully while staying in this pose for 5-6 minutes.\n\\n7. Seated Forward Fold Pose\\n\\nStart by sitting on your yoga mat with your legs stretched out in front of you. Come onto your sit bones and inhale with a straight spine. Raise your arms over your head and as you exhale, begin to bend forward by hinging at your waist. Slowly lower your torso toward the tops of your legs, allowing your spine to curve forward as you reach your legs. Hold this pose for 30-60 seconds.\\n\\n8. Corpse Pose\\n\\nSit on your yoga mat and lower your body to the floor, relaxing your legs and letting your arms rest on the floor at your sides, palms up. Keep your eyes closed and focus on your breathing. Relax the muscles in your face and neck, and visualize every part of your body letting go of all tension. Hold this pose for 5-7 minutes."},"category":["yoga_poses"]}],"randomPosts":[{"id":"cldixctfr0tox09k7rfoglac8","slug":"yoga-for-bodybuilders","author":{"name":"Will","teacherMytSlug":"will-1","pictureUrl":"will.jpeg"},"title":"10 Effective Yoga Poses for Bodybuilders (Complete Guide)","createdAt":"2023-01-30T14:47:12.900063+00:00","coverUrl":"b8qfyhfhved6qjzxviyd.jpg","content":{"text":"If you’re a bodybuilder, or competitive weightlifter, chances are yoga is not part of your overall fitness routine. After all, yogis are known for long, lean muscles — which is the opposite of what bodybuilders work so hard to create. But contrary to popular belief, incorporating yoga into your weight lifting routine won’t detract from your gains, and it will compliment your efforts in the gym.\\n\\nWhy Bodybuilders Need Yoga\\n\\nIntense weight lifting can put enormous stress on your joints, increasing your risk for injury and inflammation. By increasing your flexibility, lowering inflammation, and improving mobility in your joints, you can counteract any negative effects for better health. Yoga can also prevent you from developing arthritis that could potentially be caused by years of repetitive movement, and reduce any stiffness you might feel after a heavy day at the gym.\\nAlong with improving your range of motion and overall flexibility, yoga can also help improve your posture. From a competition perspective, this can imprtove your performance and potentially level up your chances of doing well.\n\\nYoga can help add to your bodybuilding efforts by toning and strengthening smaller muscle groups that may get neglected through classic weight lifting routines. Yoga postures isolate those minor muscle groups, giving your whole body the workout you never knew you needed. A regular yoga practice can also improve your balance — which will make you more stable and less prone to injury.\n\\nPracticing Yoga for Bodybuilding\\n\n\\nBefore you get started with your own yoga practice, there are a few things you should consider. There are many styles of yoga to choose from, and if you’re just starting out it’s important to start slow at a beginner level. When your body is already a fine-tuned machine, that may be hard to hear. But yoga involves holding postures with very specific alignment — practicing incorrectly can actually cause injury.\\nStart by working with a certified yoga instructor. At \\nMyYogaTeacher\\n, you can enroll in online courses from the comfort of your very own home. You can also sign up for private lessons where your instructor can design your course to cater to your unique needs.\n\\nWhile practicing yoga, it’s also important to pay attention to how your body feels. This should come easy to most bodybuilders, who already have a high degree of body awareness. If a yoga pose causes pain or discomfort, take a break from the posture or use a modification like a yoga block, strap, bolster, or blanket. Developing increased flexibility takes time, and it’s wise to take it easy and slow.\\n\n\\n10 Effective Yoga Poses for Bodybuilders -\\n\n\\nYou can get started with your yoga practice by incorporating the following 10 poses into your weekly workout schedule. Try performing these yoga stretches after your weight lifting routine, or on rest days in-between.\n\\n1. Downward Facing Dog Pose\\n\\n\\nThis classic primary pose is essential to any yoga routine, and there’s a reason why — it efficiently stretches your torso, hamstrings, calves, and lower back, while strengthening your shoulders.\\n\\nWith your hands and knees on the floor, push your hips upward until you are balancing on your hands and feet, and your body resembles an inverted “v” shape. Reach your heels toward the floor, stretching your hamstrings and activating your thighs. Keep your head between your arms, lengthening your side-body as you stretch. Stay here for several breaths.\\n\n\\n2. Low Lunge Pose\n\\n\\nThere’s a chance you’ve already been practicing this pose before performing squats, since it opens up your hips and stretches your glutes.\n\\nFrom Downward Dog, you can transition into Low Lunge by bringing your left foot forward and bending your left leg at the knee. With your right leg behind you, gently kneel on your right knee. Inhale as you reach your arms up over your head, parallel with your ears. Expand your chest, lengthen your spine, keep your chin level and your gaze focused forward in front of you. Repeat on the other side.\\n\n\\n3. Standing Forward Fold Pose\\n\\n\\n\n\\nThis pose also stretches your lower back, hamstrings, and calves — and it’s a great posture for lowering your blood pressure and encouraging your body to relax.\\n\\nStand at the front of your mat, feet hip distance apart. Exhale and bend forward from the waist, with your knees slightly bent and touching your hands to the floor in front of your feet. Inhale and exhale, allowing your torso to extend without rounding your back. Lengthen and soften your neck, and let the muscles of your thighs and lower back open and release any built-up tension. Hold the pose for 1-2 minutes.\\n\n\\n4. Cat-Cow Pose\\n\\n\\nWhile this yoga move may seem incredibly simple, it’s a staple for increasing flexibility in and around your spine, torso, neck, and lower back.\\n\\nStart in a tabletop position with your hands and knees on the floor. Inhale and look up, lifting your chin and gently arching your spine. As you exhale, drop your chin and look down toward your naval as you curl your spine forward. Continue this movement 5-10 times.\\n\n\\n5. Cobra Pose\\n\\n\\nAfter an intense ab workout, Cobra pose is your best friend. This subtle backbend stretches the abdominal muscles to reduce stiffness, soreness, and decrease your body’s inflammatory response.\\n\\nStart by laying down on the floor on your stomach with your legs straight and your arms folded under your head. Place your palms on the mat parallel to your chest. Slightly lift your head off the mat, keeping your head and back aligned, and press your thighs together. Now, steadily pull your elbows towards your rib cage keeping your hands underneath your shoulders. With a deep inhale, press your hands into the mat, curl your shoulders backward, and lift your upper body off the mat, arching your back. Hold this position for a few breaths and then rest.\\n\n\\n6. Bridge Pose\n\\n\\nYou can continue to stretch the muscles in your chest, neck, hips, and spine with Bridge pose. This posture also calms the body while stimulating your digestive organs for a more regulated metabolism.\n\\nStart by lying on your back with your knees bent. On your next exhale, tuck your chin and lift your hips, being careful not to allow your knees to splay outward. Interlace your fingers on the floor underneath you and lift your hips higher, while staying in the pose for 5-10 breaths.\n\\n\\n7. Plank\n\\n\\nThis is another pose you may already be familiar with. Plank pose builds strength in your core and lower back, and works to improve your balance and stability.\\n\\nLie face down on your mat, and using your palms to push up from the floor, lift your body until you are balanced on your palms and the toes of your feet. In this pose, your body should be positioned in a straight line, with your gaze directed at the floor in front of you. Hold for a few breaths, or for 30-60 seconds if you are feeling strong in this pose.\\n\n\\n8. Locust Pose\n\\n\\nSciatica pain is quite common among bodybuilders, since the sciatica nerve can easily become stressed when lifting heavy weights. Locust pose alleviates sciatica pain, increases strength, and stretches your abdominal muscles simultaneously.\n\\nLie face down on your mat, resting your forehead on your forearms and your legs stretched straight out behind you. With an inhale, extend your arms to your sides and lift your lower legs off the mat, keeping your upper legs (thighs and core) flat on the mat. Engage your glutes and press both of your legs together while holding them up. Hold this pose for 5-6 breaths.\n\\n9. Boat Pose\\n\\n\\nFor increased core strength, balance, and overall stability, there are few better poses to perform on a regular basis than Boat pose. Use this posture to compliment your ab workout.\\n\\nStart by sitting on your yoga mat with your legs stretched out in front of you and your arms at your sides. Lean back slightly so that your weight is evenly balanced on your sitting bones. Inhale, engage your core, and as you exhale lift both your legs to a 45 degree angle, and extend your arms straight out alongside your legs. If this pose feels too difficult, try bending your knees and bringing your hands behind your knees for support. Keep your spine long and your core engaged as you hold this pose for 30-45 seconds.\n\\n10. Corpse Pose\\n\\n\\nIf you’re asking what could be gained by simply lying down flat on your back and remaining still for several minutes, the answer might surprise you. Corpse pose is one of the most important postures in yoga, since it gives your body an opportunity to integrate all of your stretching and strengthening work. It also calms the mind and body, reduces stress responses, lowers your blood pressure, and reduces inflammation.\\n\\nSit on your yoga mat and lower your body to the floor, relaxing your legs and letting your arms rest on the floor at your sides, palms up. Keep your eyes closed and focus on your breathing. Relax the muscles in your face and neck, and visualize every part of your body letting go of all tension. Hold this pose for 5-7 minutes.\\n"}},{"id":"clda2r496083c0ak7xfyb3sqr","slug":"beginners-guide-to-shakti-yoga","author":{"name":"Will","teacherMytSlug":"will-1","pictureUrl":"will.jpeg"},"title":"What is Shakti Yoga? Beginner’s Guide to Shakti Yoga","createdAt":"2023-01-24T10:08:22.599414+00:00","coverUrl":"j6pbujfzshx7tpqftipc.jpg","content":{"text":"Maybe you’ve seen it offered at your local yoga studio or online, but you haven’t tried it because you’re not quite sure what it is. Shakti yoga, or Shakti yoga flow, is a dynamic, energizing form of yoga that isn’t as commonly known as other types of yoga — like Kundalini, Vinyasa, Flow, or Power yoga.\\nIt can be intimidating to learn a new kind of yoga you’re unfamiliar with, but if you’ve never given Shakti yoga a try, we recommend giving it a chance. Shakti yoga not only increases your energy levels, but it also improves your awareness, focus, and awakens your inner god or goddess. We’ve put together a beginner’s guide to help you know what to expect from your first class, and the benefits that come from this powerful practice. \n\\nOrigin of Shakti Yoga\\n\\nThe root of Shakti yoga lies in Hinduism, where Shakti is revered as a female goddess that embodies divine feminine power, known as The Great Divine Mother. We can think of Shakti as a goddess, but to gain a deeper understanding of the power of Shakti, it’s helpful to consider her as an essence that lives inside all of us — regardless of our gender identity. \n\\nShakti is formless and yet can take on any form — different goddesses, energies and personalities — and she can activate other Hindu gods. Think of Shakti as a limitless, boundless energy that can be called upon through mantras, chants, breath work, meditations, and yogic movement. Her energy lives coiled at the base of your spine, and you can gain access to it through Shakti yoga flow.\\n\\nWhat is Shakti Yoga?\\n\\nParticipating in Shakti yoga can awaken this energy and move it up your spine, channeling it through your chakras. Like a Vinyasa class, Shakti yoga utilizes dynamic, flowing movement in a yogic dance that facilitates the build-up of your Shakti energy and releases it throughout your chakras and your body.\\nWhile Shakti yoga classes may vary depending on your instructor and the structure of the class, generally you can expect flowing movement that is rooted in spirituality and connected to your breath. Shakti yoga also commonly utilizes specific chants designed to encourage the movement of this powerful energy flow. \\n\\nWhat are the Benefits of Shakti Yoga?\\n\\nSo, how does the channeling and release of Shakti energy benefit you as the practitioner? There are many ways in which Shakti yoga can bring a welcome dose of feminine vitality to your daily life. \n\\nOn a spiritual level, when you take a Shakti yoga class, you can expect to come away with an increased felt sense of vibrancy in your being. Your consciousness will be enlivened and you’ll feel a greater connection with your body, your spirit, and all living things.\n\\nShakti yoga also increases your energy reserves. If you’ve been feeling tired, depressed, and like your internal battery is running low, a Shakti yoga session can animate you physically, emotionally, and mentally. It can improve your circulation, recharge your nervous system, build strength and flexibility, and increase your sense of self-awareness. \n\\nSince the goal of Shakti yoga is to awaken this powerful energy, you may come away feeling like the goddess herself, as you’ve taken on her all-encompassing and healing spirit within your own body. If this sounds amazing, that’s because it is — Shakti energy can make you feel as if you are buzzing with vitality and like you’re glowing with endless light.\n\\nShakti Yoga Routine\\n\\nA typical Shakti yoga session utilizes the same kinds of Hatha yoga poses you’d find in a Vinyasa or Power yoga class. Since this type of yoga is meant to invigorate your body and soul, expect standing and strength building poses that may be somewhat challenging. Asanas like Warrior I, II and III, Dancer’s pose, Sun Salutations, Plank, Downward-Facing Dog and Upward Facing Dog are a few common poses in most Shakti yoga classes.\\nEach pose will be linked together with dynamic movement in conjunction with your breath. While performing Shakti yoga, continuous chanting — or mantras — harnesses your kundalini energy and channels it up your spine and through your chakras. If you already have experience practicing Hatha yoga, the poses will feel familiar to you, and if you’ve been to a Vinyasa or Flow yoga class, the Shakti movement will provide a similar experience. Don’t worry if you stumble a bit with some of the chants — as you repeat them throughout the class, you’ll become accustomed to the Sanskrit words, even if they feel a little foreign at first.\n\\n5 Beginner Shakti Yoga Poses :\\n\\nYou don’t have to wait for the next Shakti class to show up on your yoga studio’s schedule. You can start practicing this divine form of yoga at home by performing the poses below in a flowing manner.\\n\\n1. Sun Salutation Pose\n\\n\\nStart by standing at the top of your mat in Mountain pose with your hands in prayer position. Inhale deeply and sweep your arms above your head into Upward Salute. Exhale and fold forward into Standing Forward Bend. Inhale and lengthen your spine as you shift into Extended Forward Fold. Exhale, bend your knees, step backward with your right leg to perform a lunge. \\nInhale, plant your palms on the mat, and step your left leg back to join your right leg in High Plank pose. Exhale and sink into Low Plank, or Chaturanga Dandansana. You can modify this to Four-Limbed Staff pose if needed. Inhale and dynamically flow into Upward Facing Dog. On your next exhale, lift your hips into Downward Facing Dog. \n\\nInhale and step your right foot forward to perform a lunge on the opposite side. As you exhale, step forward into Standing Forward Fold. Return to Mountain pose by inhaling and rolling yourself upward to standing position, one vertebrae at a time. Press your palms together in prayer position to finish the sequence. Repeat at least 2 more times. \n\\n2. Dancer’s Pose\n\\n\\nStand in the middle of your mat with your weight evenly balanced on both feet. Shift your weight onto your left foot, while bending your right knee and grabbing your right foot with your right hand. Lift your left arm up toward the ceiling. Bend at your waist and slowly lean forward, lifting your right leg and engaging your core. For better balance, keep your gaze on a fixed point in front of you. Hold for 3-5 breaths, then repeat on the other side.\n\\n3. Warrior I Pose\\n\\n\\nStart in Downward Facing Dog and step your right foot forward. Keep your toes angled toward the front of the mat, and your front leg knee bent at 90 degrees, while strongly engaging your back leg. Your back foot should be slightly angled. Inhale and bring your arms to either prayer position, or in an Upward Salute position above your head. Extend the front side of your body allowing your back to softly bend. Stay here for five to ten breaths.\n\\n4. Warrior II Pose\\n\\n\\nStep your right foot forward on the mat with your toes pointed forward and your right knee bent. You left foot will stay behind you, parallel to the mat. Keep your hips squared and arms stretched over your front and rear legs, distributing your weight evenly between both legs. Stay in this pose for 5-6 breaths.\n\\n5. Warrior III Pose\\n\\n\\nStart in Mountain pose, with your feet hip distance apart. Step your left foot back, turned at a 45 degree angle, and bend your right knee, keeping your right foot pointing forward at a 90 degree angle. Your torso and pelvis should be squared with the front of your mat. Shift your weight to your right (front) foot, lifting your left (back) leg off the ground, extending it straight back behind you, and straightening your right leg. \\nKeep your standing knee slightly bent and avoid locking it. Extend your arms forward above your head, so that your entire body is positioned in a straight line, parallel to the floor. Engage your core, extend your body from your fingertips to the toes of your lifted foot, and focus your gaze on the floor in front of you. Hold for a few breaths and repeat on the other side.\\n\n\\n2 Powerful Shakti Yoga Mantras :\\n\\nTo deepen your Shakti yoga practice, try incorporating mantras with your routine. Even if you don’t know the meaning of every word, the sounds and syllables are designed to awaken your Shakti energy. Repeat as often as you can during your practice.\n\\n1. Adi Shakti Mantra\\n\\nAdi shakti, adi shakti, adi shakti, namo namo\\nSarab Shakti, Sarab Shakti, Sarab Shakti, namo namo\\nPritham bhagvati, pritham bhagvati, pritham bhagvati, namo namo\\nKundalini mata Shakti, mata Shakti, namo namo\\n\n\\nTranslation:\\n\n\\nI bow to the primal power\\nI bow to the all-encompassing power\\nI bow to the creative power at the beginning\\nI bow to the divine mother of all peace\\n\n\\n2. Maha Shakti Mantra\\n\\nYa devi sarva bhuteshu\\nShakti rupena samsthita\\nNamastasyai namastasyai namastasyai namo namaha\\nYa devi sarva bhuteshu\\nChetanetyabhidhiyate\\nNamastasyai namastasyai namastasyai namo namaha\n\\nTranslation:\\n\n\\nOh Goddess, who lives within everything in the form of power,\\nSalutations to you, salutations to you, salutations to you\\nOh Goddess, whom we name with the word awareness,\\nSalutations to you, salutations to you."}},{"id":"ckfqzfa2w02830136i9msk2pr","slug":"let-your-yoga-begin","author":{"name":"Poonam","teacherMytSlug":"poonam-1","pictureUrl":"Poonam-Shah.jpg"},"title":"Let your yoga begin","createdAt":"2020-04-22T00:00:00+00:00","coverUrl":"Poonam-Shah.jpg","content":{"text":"My yoga journey started a little over a decade ago, just with asanas or \\nphysical\\n \\npostures\\n. And now, it's become a way of living for me and my family!\\n\\nAsanas are just one aspect that most of us start with, but I promise, you leave each session with so much more! My classes are a combination of physical postures, breathing exercises, and \\nmeditation\\n. And the structure of each session is primarily based on each client's requirements and goals. There's a lot of detail included such as body alignment, breathing technique, and mindfulness for each practice.\\n\\nHaving my MBA, I was in corporate finance for a long time. I am a mother of two. The reason I mentioned this is I know we all have some of the other challenges in each phase of life, so making the best of our fitness session becomes especially important for our physical and \\nmental health\\n.\\n\\n||Athah Yoganushasanam|| which means... Let your yoga begin! \\n"}}],"relatedPosts":[],"blogContent":{"id":"ckfqz3t9s020q0136sqs5ivqr","slug":"my-escape-from-crippling-back-pain","author":{"name":"Shweta","teacherMytSlug":"shweta-1","pictureUrl":"shweta-pro-01.jpg"},"title":"How I escaped crippling back pain and help my students have full mobility, strength and amazing quality of life","createdAt":"2020-01-26T00:00:00+00:00","updatedAt":"2021-06-26T22:06:46.926925+00:00","coverUrl":"shweta-pro-01.jpg","seoDescription":"Yoga is gentle to practice but has to the most prominent and long lasting results on the body. It helps in releasing pain and stress - physical or mental.","content":{"text":"from Shweta\\n\\nHow I escaped crippling back pain and help my students have full mobility, strength and amazing quality of life\\n\\nYou can ABSOLUTELY get relief from your back pain!\\n\\nYou see, I know first-hand what it's like to feel like someone is hammering a chisel into your spine. \\n\\nI've been stuck in bed, unable to move, dependent on friends and family to bring me food. I watched my quality of life decay and fell into absolute depression.\\n\\nLet me rewind for a second...\\n\\nWhen I was a little girl, I was really plump. I had chronic leg pain and the other kids bullied me saying \"it's because your legs can't take your weight!\" They'd draw a hippo and put my name on it saying \"that's you\"...\\n\\nCan you imagine how demoralizing that is?\\n\\nI grew up, but that pain didn't go away. Every year I got a little more solitary and withdrawn from people. I lost all my self-confidence. But I've always had an adventurous soul. A desire to explore the world and learn. Maybe too much for those around me... \\n\\nMy family used to say \"You're so different, no one will want to marry you\", \"you're an Indian girl, you shouldn't do that...\", \"you're too this... you're too that!\"\\n\\nI felt like a caged bird.  Do you know what I'm talking about?\\n\\nThen you know you can't live like that. I wanted to feel free. I wanted to travel. I wanted to go on adventures. Most of all, I wanted to be myself and not feel judged!So one day in my mid-twenties, I packed my backpack. And left to go biking through the Himalayas. \\n\\nIt was magnificent. I was having the adventures I'd spent my whole life dreaming about. I even started learning to ride horses! ut one day, I was out riding and my horse fell on top of me. I didn't know it yet - this was the last straw for my back...\\n\\nYou see I felt OK. But this fall was about to change my life forever. My back was a ticking time-bomb.\\n\\nThe next time I took my horse out, we trotted a lot. That means a lot of bouncing on the horse. And if you saw me that evening, you would have seen a happy girl. But the next morning, I couldn't even get out of bed. My back was completely jammed. Moving just one millimeter sent a paralyzing jolt of pain through my entire body.\\n\\nWhen I saw the doctor, he said that everything had added up. All the tiny bumps and bruises over the years, the weak legs from childhood, everything had taken its toll and demolished my back.\\n\\nHe said if I didn't have surgery I would never walk again. So I got the surgery. And spent the next month in bed. I wanted to be free, and now I was completely trapped in my body... trapped in my bed... dependent on my family to take care of me.\\n\\nThe painkillers didn't help AT ALL. For three months I lived in mind-numbing spirit-killing pain.\\n\\nI went into a deep depression and pushed all my friends away. The pain made me negative and always complaining. My rehab was slow, so the doctor recommended I start \\npracticing yoga\\n. It's the only exercise that could give me the strength I needed to get walking again, yet still gentle enough that I could do it.\\n\\nSo I joined a \\nyoga teacher\\n training (even though I was a beginner). Because I wanted to get a deep immersion in yoga and heal myself.\\n\\nAnd do you know what happened?\\n\\nI did heal myself. I was able to walk and move again. And I defied all expectations - I can carry a big backpack and continue my adventures.\\n\\nMy body is free from pain (and has been for years). I have full mobility and strength.\\n\\nBut the amazing thing is,\\n yoga\\n also gave me confidence. \\n\\nI don't feel like a caged bird anymore. \\n\\nI feel free to be myself. Not just to travel the world, but to express myself. To talk to strangers (I know that might sound small to you - but since I was a kid, I've been scared of other people). Now I feel happy, positive and full of life.\\n\\nAnd I help my students feel this way too. To overcome their physical limitations, and to gain mental freedom!\\n\\nIf you have back pain, lower back problems, sciatica, osteoporosis or arthritis - I know I can help you live a more full life. Physically and emotionally!\\n\\nWhether you schedule a session with me or not, whether you have back pain or not, I know yoga can give you the same inner freedom it's given me.\\n","html":"<p>from Shweta</p><p></p><p>How I escaped crippling back pain and help my students have full mobility, strength and amazing quality of life</p><p></p><p>You can ABSOLUTELY get relief from your back pain!</p><p></p><p>You see, I know first-hand what it&#39;s like to feel like someone is hammering a chisel into your spine. </p><p></p><p>I&#39;ve been stuck in bed, unable to move, dependent on friends and family to bring me food. I watched my quality of life decay and fell into absolute depression.</p><p></p><p>Let me rewind for a second...</p><p></p><p>When I was a little girl, I was really plump. I had chronic leg pain and the other kids bullied me saying &quot;it&#39;s because your legs can&#39;t take your weight!&quot; They&#39;d draw a hippo and put my name on it saying &quot;that&#39;s you&quot;...</p><p></p><p>Can you imagine how demoralizing that is?</p><p></p><p>I grew up, but that pain didn&#39;t go away. Every year I got a little more solitary and withdrawn from people. I lost all my self-confidence. But I&#39;ve always had an adventurous soul. A desire to explore the world and learn. Maybe too much for those around me... </p><p></p><p>My family used to say &quot;You&#39;re so different, no one will want to marry you&quot;, &quot;you&#39;re an Indian girl, you shouldn&#39;t do that...&quot;, &quot;you&#39;re too this... you&#39;re too that!&quot;</p><p></p><p>I felt like a caged bird.  Do you know what I&#39;m talking about?</p><p></p><p>Then you know you can&#39;t live like that. I wanted to feel free. I wanted to travel. I wanted to go on adventures. Most of all, I wanted to be myself and not feel judged!So one day in my mid-twenties, I packed my backpack. And left to go biking through the Himalayas. </p><p></p><p>It was magnificent. I was having the adventures I&#39;d spent my whole life dreaming about. I even started learning to ride horses! ut one day, I was out riding and my horse fell on top of me. I didn&#39;t know it yet - this was the last straw for my back...</p><p></p><p>You see I felt OK. But this fall was about to change my life forever. My back was a ticking time-bomb.</p><p></p><p>The next time I took my horse out, we trotted a lot. That means a lot of bouncing on the horse. And if you saw me that evening, you would have seen a happy girl. But the next morning, I couldn&#39;t even get out of bed. My back was completely jammed. Moving just one millimeter sent a paralyzing jolt of pain through my entire body.</p><p></p><p>When I saw the doctor, he said that everything had added up. All the tiny bumps and bruises over the years, the weak legs from childhood, everything had taken its toll and demolished my back.</p><p></p><p>He said if I didn&#39;t have surgery I would never walk again. So I got the surgery. And spent the next month in bed. I wanted to be free, and now I was completely trapped in my body... trapped in my bed... dependent on my family to take care of me.</p><p></p><p>The painkillers didn&#39;t help AT ALL. For three months I lived in mind-numbing spirit-killing pain.</p><p></p><p>I went into a deep depression and pushed all my friends away. The pain made me negative and always complaining. My rehab was slow, so the doctor recommended I start <a title=\"https://www.myyogateacher.com/signUp/\" href=\"https://www.myyogateacher.com/signUp/\">practicing yoga</a>. It&#39;s the only exercise that could give me the strength I needed to get walking again, yet still gentle enough that I could do it.</p><p></p><p>So I joined a <a title=\"https://www.myyogateacher.com/\" href=\"https://www.myyogateacher.com/\">yoga teacher</a> training (even though I was a beginner). Because I wanted to get a deep immersion in yoga and heal myself.</p><p></p><p>And do you know what happened?</p><p></p><p>I did heal myself. I was able to walk and move again. And I defied all expectations - I can carry a big backpack and continue my adventures.</p><p></p><p>My body is free from pain (and has been for years). I have full mobility and strength.</p><p></p><p>But the amazing thing is,<a title=\"https://www.myyogateacher.com/articles/\" href=\"https://www.myyogateacher.com/articles/\"> yoga</a> also gave me confidence. </p><p></p><p>I don&#39;t feel like a caged bird anymore. </p><p></p><p>I feel free to be myself. Not just to travel the world, but to express myself. To talk to strangers (I know that might sound small to you - but since I was a kid, I&#39;ve been scared of other people). Now I feel happy, positive and full of life.</p><p></p><p>And I help my students feel this way too. To overcome their physical limitations, and to gain mental freedom!</p><p></p><p>If you have back pain, lower back problems, sciatica, osteoporosis or arthritis - I know I can help you live a more full life. Physically and emotionally!</p><p></p><p>Whether you schedule a session with me or not, whether you have back pain or not, I know yoga can give you the same inner freedom it&#39;s given me.</p><p></p>"},"category":["fitness"],"utmCampaign":null,"utmMedium":null,"utmContent":null,"utmSource":null,"utmTerm":null,"utmSearchString":null,"imageHyperlink":[]},"loading":false,"blog_content":[{"type":"HTML","value":"<p>from Shweta</p><p></p><p>How I escaped crippling back pain and help my students have full mobility, strength and amazing quality of life</p><p></p><p>You can ABSOLUTELY get relief from your back pain!</p><p></p><p>You see, I know first-hand what it&#39;s like to feel like someone is hammering a chisel into your spine. </p><p></p><p>I&#39;ve been stuck in bed, unable to move, dependent on friends and family to bring me food. I watched my quality of life decay and fell into absolute depression.</p><p></p><p>Let me rewind for a second...</p><p></p><p>When I was a little girl, I was really plump. I had chronic leg pain and the other kids bullied me saying &quot;it&#39;s because your legs can&#39;t take your weight!&quot; They&#39;d draw a hippo and put my name on it saying &quot;that&#39;s you&quot;...</p><p></p><p>Can you imagine how demoralizing that is?</p><p></p><p>I grew up, but that pain didn&#39;t go away. Every year I got a little more solitary and withdrawn from people. I lost all my self-confidence. But I&#39;ve always had an adventurous soul. A desire to explore the world and learn. Maybe too much for those around me... </p><p></p><p>My family used to say &quot;You&#39;re so different, no one will want to marry you&quot;, &quot;you&#39;re an Indian girl, you shouldn&#39;t do that...&quot;, &quot;you&#39;re too this... you&#39;re too that!&quot;</p><p></p><p>I felt like a caged bird.  Do you know what I&#39;m talking about?</p><p></p><p>Then you know you can&#39;t live like that. I wanted to feel free. I wanted to travel. I wanted to go on adventures. Most of all, I wanted to be myself and not feel judged!So one day in my mid-twenties, I packed my backpack. And left to go biking through the Himalayas. </p><p></p><p>It was magnificent. I was having the adventures I&#39;d spent my whole life dreaming about. I even started learning to ride horses! ut one day, I was out riding and my horse fell on top of me. I didn&#39;t know it yet - this was the last straw for my back...</p><p></p><p>You see I felt OK. But this fall was about to change my life forever. My back was a ticking time-bomb.</p><p></p><p>The next time I took my horse out, we trotted a lot. That means a lot of bouncing on the horse. And if you saw me that evening, you would have seen a happy girl. But the next morning, I couldn&#39;t even get out of bed. My back was completely jammed. Moving just one millimeter sent a paralyzing jolt of pain through my entire body.</p><p></p><p>When I saw the doctor, he said that everything had added up. All the tiny bumps and bruises over the years, the weak legs from childhood, everything had taken its toll and demolished my back.</p><p></p><p>He said if I didn&#39;t have surgery I would never walk again. So I got the surgery. And spent the next month in bed. I wanted to be free, and now I was completely trapped in my body... trapped in my bed... dependent on my family to take care of me.</p><p></p><p>The painkillers didn&#39;t help AT ALL. For three months I lived in mind-numbing spirit-killing pain.</p><p></p><p>I went into a deep depression and pushed all my friends away. The pain made me negative and always complaining. My rehab was slow, so the doctor recommended I start <a title=\"https://www.myyogateacher.com/signUp/\" href=\"https://www.myyogateacher.com/signUp/\">practicing yoga</a>. It&#39;s the only exercise that could give me the strength I needed to get walking again, yet still gentle enough that I could do it.</p><p></p><p>So I joined a <a\n            class=\"inline-cta\"\n            id=be36c50a-9255-4983-9214-59261f91faf0\n            href=\"/signup?utm_source=MYT__article&utm_medium=ckfqz3t9s020q0136sqs5ivqr&utm_campaign=inline_cta&utm_content=CTA-INLINE&entity_name=How I escaped crippling back pain and help my students have full mobility, strength and amazing quality of life&entity_slug=my-escape-from-crippling-back-pain&page_or_popup=/articles/my-escape-from-crippling-back-pain&entity_location=hyperlink_midst_of_article&article_cta=CTA-INLINE&from_article_page=true\"\n            onclick=trigger_mixpanel_sign_up_cta(\"be36c50a-9255-4983-9214-59261f91faf0\")\n            title=\"https://www.myyogateacher.com/\" \n            data-title=\"How I escaped crippling back pain and help my students have full mobility, strength and amazing quality of life\"\n            data-slug=\"my-escape-from-crippling-back-pain\"\n            <u>yoga teacher</a></u>        \n            </a> training (even though I was a beginner). Because I wanted to get a deep immersion in yoga and heal myself.</p><p></p><p>And do you know what happened?</p><p></p><p>I did heal myself. I was able to walk and move again. And I defied all expectations - I can carry a big backpack and continue my adventures.</p><p></p><p>My body is free from pain (and has been for years). I have full mobility and strength.</p><p></p><p>But the amazing thing is,<a title=\"https://www.myyogateacher.com/articles/\" href=\"https://www.myyogateacher.com/articles/\"> yoga</a> also gave me confidence. </p><p></p><p>I don&#39;t feel like a caged bird anymore. </p><p></p><p>I feel free to be myself. Not just to travel the world, but to express myself. To talk to strangers (I know that might sound small to you - but since I was a kid, I&#39;ve been scared of other people). Now I feel happy, positive and full of life.</p><p></p><p>And I help my students feel this way too. To overcome their physical limitations, and to gain mental freedom!</p><p></p><p>If you have back pain, lower back problems, sciatica, osteoporosis or arthritis - I know I can help you live a more full life. Physically and emotionally!</p><p></p><p>Whether you schedule a session with me or not, whether you have back pain or not, I know yoga can give you the same inner freedom it&#39;s given me.</p><p></p>"},{"type":"CTA","value":"[CTA-DEFAULT]"}],"isSlugACategory":false,"searchCategory":"my-escape-from-crippling-back-pain","showPopUp":false,"popUpType":null,"showedPopup":false,"windowWidth":null,"ctaPath":"signup","redirectURL":"#","current_url":"https://www.myyogateacher.com/articles/my-escape-from-crippling-back-pain","student_details":"","facebookUrl":"","twitterUrl":"","copyUrl":"","emailUrl":"","ctaContent":[{"id":"ckxrz2i14tov40c25g1dpicsg","name":"[CTA-DEFAULT]","description":{"html":"<p><strong>Get 2 free private yoga sessions and 2 weeks of unlimited group classes</strong> with authentic yoga teachers. No credit card required when you sign up today!</p>"},"title":{"html":"<p><strong>Online Yoga Classes – </strong><u><strong>Live &amp; Interactive</strong></u></p>"},"linkText":"Start Free Trial","linkUrl":"https://www.myyogateacher.com/signup"},{"id":"ckxrz37hsu0cj0a76mgb4594m","name":"[CTA-FREECLASS]","description":{"html":"<p><strong>Get 2 free private yoga sessions and 2 weeks of unlimited group classes</strong> with authentic yoga teachers. No credit card required when you sign up today!</p>"},"title":{"html":"<p><strong>Online Yoga Classes – </strong><u><strong>Live &amp; Interactive</strong></u></p>"},"linkText":"Start Free Trial","linkUrl":"https://www.myyogateacher.com/signup"},{"id":"ckxrz4d5stsye0b75dtlx1w0n","name":"[CTA-TRENDS]","description":{"html":"<p>Get ahead of the next trend and practice with authentic Indian yoga teachers! Sign up today and <strong>get 2 free private yoga sessions PLUS 2 weeks of unlimited group classes</strong>. No credit card required when you sign up today!</p>"},"title":{"html":"<p><strong>Online Yoga Sessions – </strong><u><strong>Live &amp; Interactive</strong></u></p><p><strong>Practice with Authentic Indian Yoga Teachers</strong></p><p></p>"},"linkText":"Start Free Trial","linkUrl":"https://www.myyogateacher.com/signup"},{"id":"ckxrz6nq0tqdr0c258titvagg","name":"[CTA-REVIEWS]","description":{"html":"<p>Find out what all the hype is about! <strong>Get 2 free private yoga sessions and 2 weeks of unlimited group classes</strong> with authentic yoga teachers. No credit card required when you sign up today!</p>"},"title":{"html":"<p><strong>Online Yoga Sessions – </strong><u><strong>Live &amp; Interactive</strong></u></p><p><strong>103,478 Happy Students &amp; 12,086 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Reviews</strong></p><p></p>"},"linkText":"Start Free Trial","linkUrl":"https://www.myyogateacher.com/signup"},{"id":"ckxrz7nzktu400b752fym6wpw","name":"[CTA-HATHA]","description":{"html":"<p><strong>Get 2 free private hatha yoga sessions and 2 weeks of unlimited group classes </strong>(including tons of daily Hatha yoga classes). No credit card required when you sign up today!</p>"},"title":{"html":"<p><strong>Online Hatha Yoga Sessions – </strong><u><strong>Live &amp; Interactive</strong></u></p><p><strong>with Authentic Indian Teachers</strong></p><p></p>"},"linkText":"Start Free Trial","linkUrl":"https://www.myyogateacher.com/signup"},{"id":"cky90p88g3zgc0d23yz6taont","name":"[CTA-NASAL]","description":{"html":"<p><strong>Get 2 free private sessions </strong>to relieve post nasal drip and clear out your sinus. </p><p><strong>PLUS, 2 weeks of unlimited group classes </strong>with authentic Indian yoga teachers. No credit card required when you sign up today!</p>"},"title":{"html":"<p><strong>Online Yoga Sessions – </strong><u><strong>Live &amp; Interactive</strong></u></p><p><strong>Relieve Post Nasal Drip &amp; Clear Your Sinus Today!</strong></p><p></p>"},"linkText":"Start Free Trial","linkUrl":"https://www.myyogateacher.com/signup"},{"id":"ckyirvl8g25ce0c70cldmca2g","name":"[CTA-TRATAKA]","description":{"html":"<p><strong>Get 2 free private sessions </strong>with experienced Trataka teachers. </p><p><strong>PLUS, 2 weeks of unlimited group classes </strong>(like ‘Candle Gazing Meditation) with authentic yoga teachers. No credit card required when you sign up today!</p>"},"title":{"html":"<p><strong>Online Yoga Sessions – </strong><u><strong>Live &amp; Interactive</strong></u></p><p><strong>Learn Trataka (Candle Gazing) Meditation Today!</strong></p><p></p>"},"linkText":"Start Free Trial","linkUrl":"https://www.myyogateacher.com/signup"},{"id":"ckyisqh482ck60b79rp1r1jcg","name":"[CTA-YIN]","description":{"html":"<p><strong>Get 2 free private yoga sessions</strong>, work with an experienced yoga therapist to reduce (and even eliminate) your back pain. <strong>PLUS 2 weeks of unlimited group classes </strong>(like ‘Yoga for Back Pain’) with authentic yoga teachers. No credit card required when you sign up today!</p>"},"title":{"html":"<p><strong>Online Yoga Therapy – </strong><u><strong>Live &amp; Interactive</strong></u></p><p><strong>Relieve Back Pain Safely &amp; Effectively Today!</strong></p><p></p>"},"linkText":"Start Free Trial","linkUrl":"https://www.myyogateacher.com/signup"},{"id":"ckyitki4w2liz0b30tqpzhy4i","name":"[CTA-KRIYA]","description":{"html":"<p><strong>Get 2 free private yoga sessions </strong>for Kriya Yoga, Pranayama, and Meditation <strong>and 2 weeks of unlimited group classes </strong>with authentic yoga teachers. No credit card required when you sign up today!</p>"},"title":{"html":"<p><strong>Online Yoga Classes – </strong><u><strong>Live &amp; Interactive</strong></u></p><p><strong>Practice Kriya, Pranayama, and Meditation Today!</strong></p>"},"linkText":"Start Free Trial","linkUrl":"https://www.myyogateacher.com/signup"},{"id":"ckyitxgyg2pot0b79lu1fcpp1","name":"[CTA-BREATH]","description":{"html":"<p><strong>Get 2 free private yoga sessions </strong>for yogic breathing techniques (pranayama) and <strong>2 weeks of unlimited group classes</strong>, like ‘Stretch and Breathe’, ‘Kriya, Pranayama, and Meditation’, and many others. No credit card required when you sign up today!</p>"},"title":{"html":"<p><strong>Online Yoga Sessions – </strong><u><strong>Live &amp; Interactive</strong></u></p><p><strong> Learn Beginner, Intermediate, and Advanced Pranayama!</strong></p>"},"linkText":"Start Free Trial","linkUrl":"https://www.myyogateacher.com/signup"},{"id":"ckykb6i2o1o7f0b368s1m7qow","name":"[CTA-LYMPHATIC]","description":{"html":"<p><strong>Get 2 free private yoga sessions</strong> for lymphatic drainage &amp; immunity enhancement. <strong>PLUS 2 weeks of unlimited group yoga classes</strong> (including daily yin-yoga) when you sign up today! No credit card required to sign up.</p><p></p>"},"title":{"html":"<p><strong>Online Yoga Sessions –  </strong><u><strong>Live &amp; Interactive</strong></u></p><p><strong>for Lymphatic Drainage &amp; Boosting Your Immune System!</strong></p>"},"linkText":"Start Free Trial","linkUrl":"https://www.myyogateacher.com/signup"},{"id":"cl2vqlpyfe3yh0biohgxyx2hg","name":"[CTA-LEAD]","description":{"html":"<p>Lead Form</p>"},"title":{"html":"<p>Lead Form</p>"},"linkText":"Start Free Trial","linkUrl":"https://www.myyogateacher.com/signup"},{"id":"cl4gnwnrlga640ck37gutx7sn","name":"[CTA-GC]","description":{"html":"<p>CTA-GC</p>"},"title":{"html":"<p>CTA-GC</p>"},"linkText":"Start Free Trial","linkUrl":"https://www.myyogateacher.com/signup"}],"post":{"id":"ckfqz3t9s020q0136sqs5ivqr","slug":"my-escape-from-crippling-back-pain","author":{"name":"Shweta","teacherMytSlug":"shweta-1","pictureUrl":"shweta-pro-01.jpg"},"title":"How I escaped crippling back pain and help my students have full mobility, strength and amazing quality of life","createdAt":"2020-01-26T00:00:00+00:00","updatedAt":"2021-06-26T22:06:46.926925+00:00","coverUrl":"shweta-pro-01.jpg","seoDescription":"Yoga is gentle to practice but has to the most prominent and long lasting results on the body. It helps in releasing pain and stress - physical or mental.","content":{"text":"from Shweta\\n\\nHow I escaped crippling back pain and help my students have full mobility, strength and amazing quality of life\\n\\nYou can ABSOLUTELY get relief from your back pain!\\n\\nYou see, I know first-hand what it's like to feel like someone is hammering a chisel into your spine. \\n\\nI've been stuck in bed, unable to move, dependent on friends and family to bring me food. I watched my quality of life decay and fell into absolute depression.\\n\\nLet me rewind for a second...\\n\\nWhen I was a little girl, I was really plump. I had chronic leg pain and the other kids bullied me saying \"it's because your legs can't take your weight!\" They'd draw a hippo and put my name on it saying \"that's you\"...\\n\\nCan you imagine how demoralizing that is?\\n\\nI grew up, but that pain didn't go away. Every year I got a little more solitary and withdrawn from people. I lost all my self-confidence. But I've always had an adventurous soul. A desire to explore the world and learn. Maybe too much for those around me... \\n\\nMy family used to say \"You're so different, no one will want to marry you\", \"you're an Indian girl, you shouldn't do that...\", \"you're too this... you're too that!\"\\n\\nI felt like a caged bird.  Do you know what I'm talking about?\\n\\nThen you know you can't live like that. I wanted to feel free. I wanted to travel. I wanted to go on adventures. Most of all, I wanted to be myself and not feel judged!So one day in my mid-twenties, I packed my backpack. And left to go biking through the Himalayas. \\n\\nIt was magnificent. I was having the adventures I'd spent my whole life dreaming about. I even started learning to ride horses! ut one day, I was out riding and my horse fell on top of me. I didn't know it yet - this was the last straw for my back...\\n\\nYou see I felt OK. But this fall was about to change my life forever. My back was a ticking time-bomb.\\n\\nThe next time I took my horse out, we trotted a lot. That means a lot of bouncing on the horse. And if you saw me that evening, you would have seen a happy girl. But the next morning, I couldn't even get out of bed. My back was completely jammed. Moving just one millimeter sent a paralyzing jolt of pain through my entire body.\\n\\nWhen I saw the doctor, he said that everything had added up. All the tiny bumps and bruises over the years, the weak legs from childhood, everything had taken its toll and demolished my back.\\n\\nHe said if I didn't have surgery I would never walk again. So I got the surgery. And spent the next month in bed. I wanted to be free, and now I was completely trapped in my body... trapped in my bed... dependent on my family to take care of me.\\n\\nThe painkillers didn't help AT ALL. For three months I lived in mind-numbing spirit-killing pain.\\n\\nI went into a deep depression and pushed all my friends away. The pain made me negative and always complaining. My rehab was slow, so the doctor recommended I start \\npracticing yoga\\n. It's the only exercise that could give me the strength I needed to get walking again, yet still gentle enough that I could do it.\\n\\nSo I joined a \\nyoga teacher\\n training (even though I was a beginner). Because I wanted to get a deep immersion in yoga and heal myself.\\n\\nAnd do you know what happened?\\n\\nI did heal myself. I was able to walk and move again. And I defied all expectations - I can carry a big backpack and continue my adventures.\\n\\nMy body is free from pain (and has been for years). I have full mobility and strength.\\n\\nBut the amazing thing is,\\n yoga\\n also gave me confidence. \\n\\nI don't feel like a caged bird anymore. \\n\\nI feel free to be myself. Not just to travel the world, but to express myself. To talk to strangers (I know that might sound small to you - but since I was a kid, I've been scared of other people). Now I feel happy, positive and full of life.\\n\\nAnd I help my students feel this way too. To overcome their physical limitations, and to gain mental freedom!\\n\\nIf you have back pain, lower back problems, sciatica, osteoporosis or arthritis - I know I can help you live a more full life. Physically and emotionally!\\n\\nWhether you schedule a session with me or not, whether you have back pain or not, I know yoga can give you the same inner freedom it's given me.\\n","html":"<p>from Shweta</p><p></p><p>How I escaped crippling back pain and help my students have full mobility, strength and amazing quality of life</p><p></p><p>You can ABSOLUTELY get relief from your back pain!</p><p></p><p>You see, I know first-hand what it&#39;s like to feel like someone is hammering a chisel into your spine. </p><p></p><p>I&#39;ve been stuck in bed, unable to move, dependent on friends and family to bring me food. I watched my quality of life decay and fell into absolute depression.</p><p></p><p>Let me rewind for a second...</p><p></p><p>When I was a little girl, I was really plump. I had chronic leg pain and the other kids bullied me saying &quot;it&#39;s because your legs can&#39;t take your weight!&quot; They&#39;d draw a hippo and put my name on it saying &quot;that&#39;s you&quot;...</p><p></p><p>Can you imagine how demoralizing that is?</p><p></p><p>I grew up, but that pain didn&#39;t go away. Every year I got a little more solitary and withdrawn from people. I lost all my self-confidence. But I&#39;ve always had an adventurous soul. A desire to explore the world and learn. Maybe too much for those around me... </p><p></p><p>My family used to say &quot;You&#39;re so different, no one will want to marry you&quot;, &quot;you&#39;re an Indian girl, you shouldn&#39;t do that...&quot;, &quot;you&#39;re too this... you&#39;re too that!&quot;</p><p></p><p>I felt like a caged bird.  Do you know what I&#39;m talking about?</p><p></p><p>Then you know you can&#39;t live like that. I wanted to feel free. I wanted to travel. I wanted to go on adventures. Most of all, I wanted to be myself and not feel judged!So one day in my mid-twenties, I packed my backpack. And left to go biking through the Himalayas. </p><p></p><p>It was magnificent. I was having the adventures I&#39;d spent my whole life dreaming about. I even started learning to ride horses! ut one day, I was out riding and my horse fell on top of me. I didn&#39;t know it yet - this was the last straw for my back...</p><p></p><p>You see I felt OK. But this fall was about to change my life forever. My back was a ticking time-bomb.</p><p></p><p>The next time I took my horse out, we trotted a lot. That means a lot of bouncing on the horse. And if you saw me that evening, you would have seen a happy girl. But the next morning, I couldn&#39;t even get out of bed. My back was completely jammed. Moving just one millimeter sent a paralyzing jolt of pain through my entire body.</p><p></p><p>When I saw the doctor, he said that everything had added up. All the tiny bumps and bruises over the years, the weak legs from childhood, everything had taken its toll and demolished my back.</p><p></p><p>He said if I didn&#39;t have surgery I would never walk again. So I got the surgery. And spent the next month in bed. I wanted to be free, and now I was completely trapped in my body... trapped in my bed... dependent on my family to take care of me.</p><p></p><p>The painkillers didn&#39;t help AT ALL. For three months I lived in mind-numbing spirit-killing pain.</p><p></p><p>I went into a deep depression and pushed all my friends away. The pain made me negative and always complaining. My rehab was slow, so the doctor recommended I start <a title=\"https://www.myyogateacher.com/signUp/\" href=\"https://www.myyogateacher.com/signUp/\">practicing yoga</a>. It&#39;s the only exercise that could give me the strength I needed to get walking again, yet still gentle enough that I could do it.</p><p></p><p>So I joined a <a title=\"https://www.myyogateacher.com/\" href=\"https://www.myyogateacher.com/\">yoga teacher</a> training (even though I was a beginner). Because I wanted to get a deep immersion in yoga and heal myself.</p><p></p><p>And do you know what happened?</p><p></p><p>I did heal myself. I was able to walk and move again. And I defied all expectations - I can carry a big backpack and continue my adventures.</p><p></p><p>My body is free from pain (and has been for years). I have full mobility and strength.</p><p></p><p>But the amazing thing is,<a title=\"https://www.myyogateacher.com/articles/\" href=\"https://www.myyogateacher.com/articles/\"> yoga</a> also gave me confidence. </p><p></p><p>I don&#39;t feel like a caged bird anymore. </p><p></p><p>I feel free to be myself. Not just to travel the world, but to express myself. To talk to strangers (I know that might sound small to you - but since I was a kid, I&#39;ve been scared of other people). Now I feel happy, positive and full of life.</p><p></p><p>And I help my students feel this way too. To overcome their physical limitations, and to gain mental freedom!</p><p></p><p>If you have back pain, lower back problems, sciatica, osteoporosis or arthritis - I know I can help you live a more full life. Physically and emotionally!</p><p></p><p>Whether you schedule a session with me or not, whether you have back pain or not, I know yoga can give you the same inner freedom it&#39;s given me.</p><p></p>"},"category":["fitness"],"utmCampaign":null,"utmMedium":null,"utmContent":null,"utmSource":null,"utmTerm":null,"utmSearchString":null,"imageHyperlink":[]},"recommendations_group_class":null}