Hello Yogis!
A lot of students have been expressing their appreciation recently for the positive effect our Alignment Based Iyengar classes have had in reducing their lower back pain. These classes encourage an increase in the mobility of the spine, while supporting and strengthening the lower lumbar. Susan and Carlyn’s classes have a focus on meticulous alignment with ample use of props, chairs, and the wall. They teach sequences that are designed to be done regularly that a student can adapt to include in their home practice.
Yoga Practice for the Back by Hillari Dowdle
We want to share this article from Yoga Journal with all of you. The author talks a lot about Viniyoga, a style that emphasizes the therapeutic benefits of yoga, much like Iyengar. In fact, the original study referenced in the article talks specifically about Iyengar. (“Therapeutic Application of Iyengar Yoga for Healing Chronic Low Back Pain”)
If you’re experiencing “garden-variety” lower back pain, Hillari’s article includes a short series of asanas that you can do right now at home. We also encourage you (as always!) to arrive a few minutes early and talk to our teachers before a class if you’re working with any pain or tightness that day. Our teachers do their best work when they have a better idea of where their students are at each day, so don’t be shy! This is your practice, and we want to help you make it the best practice it can be, right now, this day, with whatever is on the table.