Yoga Learning Center Forum
Now compatible with iPhone, iPad and iPod touch
More info...
Testimonials
"I would just like to thank everyone involved with The Yoga
Learning Center. This is a fabulous resource and a blessing to
myself, and many others I am sure. I am just beginning Yoga and
I think that having a studio come to you, in the privacy of your
own home, especially as a novice, is invaluable. Thank you so
much for sharing your information and your wisdom with the world
in this manner. May you all be blessed.
Namaste" - Holly Jarvis
Message Board > Ask Our Expert > Back pain during Downward Dog transition
|
Back pain during Downward Dog transition
|
|
| LisaMartin |
12/20/05 at 4:42am
|
|
Joined: 11/12/05 |
I have to be careful transitioning from Plank Pose into Downward Dog because my lower back feels iffy. I've never had back problems, but it feels like the two muscles in our lower backs that doctors cautioned to be careful of during pregnancy. Two much incorrect straing could 'separate' them and cause back problems. Any ideas? It prevents me from gaining any flow to that part of my workout. P.S. I'm several years beyond pregnancy so that is not the problem. |
| Post Reply Quote | |
| Jeneveve |
12/22/05 at 3:23pm
|
|
Joined: 05/27/10 |
Hi Lisa! Treasure your awareness and insight into your body’s “iffy-ness.” I hear about too many students who attempt to over-ride the immediate language of their bodies – they’d rather not hear what’s being communicated right at that moment. They’ll push right through it to gain a flow which eventually back-fires. Appreciate and honor your listening skills! You’re also absolutely right to be careful in this transition -- it takes more strength and integrity then one may realize. For starters, let’s replace ‘any amount of incorrect strain’ with ‘NO strain whatsoever AND nothing incorrect about where you are in these poses’. Flow will happen when you're in sync with your own Spirit, not when something external is prompting you to hurry and catch up. How about slowing down. Take time to examine your foundations in these 2 poses. It’s difficult to answer your question without actually observing you in action. I have no sense of the alignment of your entire body or where your focus and breath are during this part of your practice. If you’ve been feeling strain, pain or concern that harm may occur – something definitely is not right. As a new member to this site, please take some time to explore and feel the variety of styles and “tones” offered. Watch the various intro to yoga practices to enhance your foundations. This will greatly strengthen and round out your entire practice. Modify the “place” that isn’t flowing: From Plank, move into a leisurely prostration and allow your breath to massage your lower deep back muscles and hips. EASE back and up into Downward-Facing Dog and bend (flex) your knees. Lift your heels as you walk in place and let your spine “dance” rhythmically. This is particularly soothing to the sacroiliac joints and hamstrings. At the peak of your Downward-facing Dog: Do your hips lift into an upside-down U or more closely to an upside-down V? How “sharp” is the angle between your pelvis and thighs? Is your focus (drishti) on your navel? Are you using the power of your diaphgragm to breath? Is your breathing smooth, even, calm and complete? Does your lumbar's lordosis (natural curve) feel strong or "iffy" ? Do your heels completely rest down on the mat without any strain on the hamstrings? Can your ankles flex with ease at a 45 angle? Do your wrists feel strong and secure? How strong and toned are your abdominal muscles and internal organs? These are only a few physical aspects to achieve in this particular pose. You’ll find more in-depth, quality instruction in the streaming videos here at the YLC and at other sources. If this pain continues ... perhaps it's time to visit your doctor or a trusted chiropractor. Enjoy your continued journey into the world of yoga. Above all, trust that instinct of yours. May the Flow Be with You!! Namaste, Jeneveve Satya YLC Forum Advisor |
| Post Reply Quote | |
