How Yoga Can Relieve Your Pain

Yoga has something of a mixed reputation in the United States today. While some people swear by it because of the way it has improved their quality of life, others think it’s just a funny way of moving. 

Actually, though, the more modern medical research looks into yoga, the more we’re learning about the benefits of this 4,000-year-old practice. In fact, because there’s so much evidence that yoga can help with pain relief, Dr. Halina Snowball has chosen to offer both group yoga classes and private yoga instruction at Integrated Pain Solutions in Stamford, Connecticut. 

To help you understand how this drug-free pain treatment could work for you, let’s take a closer look.

The basics of yoga

Yoga is an ancient philosophy consisting of eight limbs. When you think about movement-based yoga, something like a workout class, you’re thinking of the third limb of yoga: asana. That’s the yoga we offer here at Integrated Pain Solutions.

An asana practice is essentially a workout routine during which you move through a series of postures as you link your breathing to your movement. Some of the most common yoga postures include:

• Downward-facing dog 
• Child’s pose
• Plank pose
• Seated twist
• Bridge pose

Some of the poses are physically strenuous, while others are more restorative. Ultimately, a yoga class gives you a targeted way to stretch and strengthen your body, improving your balance, posture, and flexibility. And more and more studies show that as you practice yoga, you may also get relief from chronic pain. 

How yoga works for pain relief

Because yoga improves your mobility, releases tension, and lengthens and strengthens your muscles, it can help to alleviate discomfort from a wide range of pain types, especially chronic pain. It also rewires your brain, helping to undo some of the changes that occur as a result of chronic pain. 

In fact, extensive studies show that yoga can help with:

• Fibromyalgia
• Chronic low back pain
• Migraines and other headaches
• Neck pain
• Inflammation

Additionally, yoga can help to decrease your pain perception and boost your mood. In other words, it’s a great thing to try if you want to feel better all around. 

Because many people think yoga is a really specialized workout or something tied to specific ways of thinking, it might not feel accessible. Actually, though, going to a yoga class is a lot like showing up for a workout at your local gym. The difference is that the movement is specifically designed to not just make you stronger, but also to help you better align your body while decreasing your stress. 

If you’re looking for a medication-free way to get pain relief, yoga is a safe and proven tool to add to your arsenal. Our team is here to answer any questions you might have and to help you get started. Call our office at 203-293-0549 or request an appointment online today.