It is well-known that core strengthening is one of the most important ways to keep your back healthy and enjoy pain-free living. However, when most people hear the term “core strengthening,” they think of strength work for the abdominals, such as crunches, curl-ups, and sit-ups. Unfortunately, these exercises tend to strengthen mainly the superficial muscles … Continued
Most physical therapy for knees focuses on the bending/extending aspect of the knees, with emphasis on the hamstrings and quadriceps. But the knee is a ‘twisty joint’ capable of rotation, and many if not most knee problems arise from this aspect — which is of even more concern in yoga, which involves rotation of the shins in … Continued
Increasingly, researchers are pointing to a new risk factor for chronic disease: Inflammation. Inflammation is a natural immune system defense mechanism, but when it becomes chronic, it becomes a risk factor for a host of chronic conditions, including atherosclerosis, diabetes, arthritis, thyroid issues, fibromyalgia, and more. Aging is one of the biggest risk factors for chronic … Continued
The most foundational yoga pose of all is Tadasana or Mountain Pose. Tadasana demands just one simple thing: that we stand with good posture in a way that supports the natural curves of a healthy spine. In our Western sedentary society, however, it’s surprisingly difficult for most yoga students to achieve correct alignment in Tadasana. … Continued
Many people with plantar fasciitis foot pain think the issue is in the feet. After all, that is where the pain is. For most people, plantar fasciitis is worst in the morning, with the first steps after getting out of bed. Massaging the soles of the feet may bring some relief, but then the following … Continued
It is no exaggeration to say that the hip is one of the most important major joints of the body. First, it is the major connecting point for load transfer between the upper and lower body. Second, the hip also plays an important role as a part of the pelvic complex implicated in the diaphragmatic … Continued
It’s well known that stress has a significant impact on our bodies. From muscle tension to nervous system dysregulation to hormone disruption, stress wreaks havoc on our bodies. What fewer women realize is that the effects of stress on our bodies can also affect our ability to get pregnant! The good news is that there … Continued
Forward bending yoga postures are among the most relaxing and soothing groups of yoga postures. They calm body and mind and can help us shift from a frenzied, busy mind set into a more relaxed, parasympathetic mode of functioning. But forward bends also have a little known dark side. If practiced incorrectly without reference to … Continued
We are in a really exciting time in yoga, medicine, rehabilitation, recovery and what is truly possible for us as human beings. The biomedical view of pain and healing is changing, and this means huge things for all of us. We now have solid science to illustrate the neurobiology of pain and the positive implications … Continued
The benefits of the core get a lot of attention in the yoga and movement worlds. But are we missing out on one of the key reasons why the core body is so important? Most of the attention focuses on the need to keep the core strong and toned. More advanced approaches to core work … Continued
One of the effects of yoga postures is to challenge the joints and muscles in order to enhance strength and flexibility. This not only increases strength, stamina, and flexibility. It also engages the nervous system, enhancing neurological health, and stimulating receptors in the nervous system that slow the production of stress hormones. But when we … Continued
High blood pressure is also known as ‘the silent killer,’ because many people don’t even know they have high blood pressure, and only discover it when it’s too late. Unregulated, high blood pressure puts us a higher risk for stroke, heart attack, kidney issues and eye problems. New guidelines on how to diagnose and treat … Continued