If you’ve ever had back issues, soreness, stiffness & pain, you know all too well the debilitating effects it can have on both physical & mental wellness.
Almost everything can feel more difficult when we are in physical pain.
It can be easy to accept this as a natural part of ageing, however this is far from the truth. The truth is that it is more related to how much movement you get in during the day.
Science is beginning to expose the effects of having to be chair bound for hours on end.
A healthy spine is key to a fully functional nervous system, which in turn controls many other vital functions.
So, what do we do about it?
Diverse movements, that get the spine using all of its capabilities (back, forward, side bends & twisting) is going be extremely beneficial for promoting spinal health, and the muscles associated with it.
Seek to integrate a regular practice that get the spine & body moving, and your body & mind will thank you for it. Even 10 minutes a day can do wonders!
One of the most significant benefits of yoga is its ability to promote spinal health and longevity.
The spine is one of the most critical structures in the body, as it houses and protects the spinal cord, which is responsible for transmitting messages between the brain and the rest of the body. A healthy spine is essential for overall health and well-being, and yoga can help you achieve this.
How yoga can help
Here are some of the benefits of yoga in maintaining spinal health.
Ability to improve spinal mobility.
The spine is made up of a series of vertebrae that interconnect by joints called facet joints. These joints allow the spine to move and bend in different directions.
However, if we do not maintain them by regular movement, the spine can become stiff, which can lead to pain and discomfort.
Yoga can help improve spinal flexibility & mobility by gently stretching and elongating the spine. This can help relieve tension and tightness in the muscles and joints of the spine, promoting spinal health and longevity.
Strengthening of the Core Muscles
The core muscles support the spine. These muscles include the abdominal muscles, back muscles, and pelvic floor muscles.
When these muscles become weak, due to lack of use, it can lead pain, tension and discomfort.
Yoga can help strengthen the core muscles, which can help promote greater strength, stamina & endurance.
Relieves Stress and Tension
Stress & tension can cause muscle tightness and stiffness, which can affect spinal health negatively.
The deep breathing and relaxation techniques used in yoga can help calm the nervous system, reducing tension in the muscles and promoting relaxation throughout the body.
Reduces Inflammation
Inflammation can cause pain and stiffness in the joints and muscles of the spine, which can affect spinal health.
Yoga has been shown to have anti-inflammatory effects & can help reduce inflammation. This can help alleviate pain and discomfort in the spine and promote spinal health and longevity.
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Promotes Relaxation and Restful Sleep
A restful night's sleep is vital for holistic health and well-being. Many struggle with sleep issues, which can affect spinal health, given that the body doesn’t have adequate rest time to fully recover.
Yoga can help promote relaxation and restful sleep by reducing stress and tension in the body. The relaxation techniques used in yoga can help calm the mind and promote deep, restful sleep.
The bottom line
In my opinion, backed by research and my own personal experience, yoga is an excellent way to promote spinal health and longevity.
I encourage you to seek and keep learning about ways to stay healthy. Your mind & body will thank you for it.
If you are interested in using yoga to improve your spinal health, check out some of offerings here.