
Heal yourself by re-balancing your mind and body through yoga
Yoga poses along with the flow that connects the poses, breath work and meditation, can help re-balance the body physically and mentally. This puts the body in an optimal condition to heal itself. Some poses and sequences are designed to enhance the body’s healing powers but should only be used in conjunction with advice from your health professional. The following are some examples of conditions that can be assisted in healing with yoga.
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This article is for general education only and is not intended in any way to be medical advice. You should consult with your health practitioner for a tailored program to your specific condition(s). Note that some yogic movements can be harmful if practiced with certain conditions.
Back Pain
Yoga is great for re-alignment of posture, which can help relieve sore back muscles, speed up recovery and prevent further injury in the future. Many of the yoga postures strengthen the lower back muscles and stretch tight ones. This improves the circulation and reduces inflammation by taking off undue stress on the tissues and joints. Regular movement linked with breath work can also relieve soreness and prevent injury with better spinal alignment.

With new injuries, if the pain is intense and acute, it would be wise to wait until this settles before adding any movement which will aggravate the pain. If there is any weakness, tingling or numbness, it could mean that a nerve is pinched in which case you should seek medical attention before attempting any yoga practice. If the acute pain does not subside after 2-3 days, you should consult your health professional for further investigation.
If the pain is mild and movement can be done comfortable, then you may wish to try these poses: Cat-Cow, Sphinx pose, Cobra pose, Forward Fold, Bridge pose, Downward Facing Dog, Triangle pose, Locust pose, Spinal twist with both knees, Half Lord of the Fishes and Child’s pose.
Gut issues
Following a plant-strong diet and yogic lifestyle, along with regular yoga practice, can help re-balance the autonomic nervous system. Yoga and meditation activates the parasympathetic nervous system (‘rest and digest’) improving the digestion and elimination. In the Western world, being ‘on the go’ is the norm and being in a constant state of sympathetic activation (‘flight and fright’) contributes to many gut complaints. Ujjayi and nadi sodhana pranayama both enhance parasympathetic activation, which will help settle digestive symptoms, especially those associated with stress. Meditation will also reduce stress and sympathetic overdrive. A regular yoga flow practice with physical activity can reduce the risk of constipation.
Depression and Low Mood

70% of your neurotransmitters are produced by bacteria in the gut. This includes serotonin and dopamine which can have a significant effect on your mood. Regular yoga practice can help re-balance the autonomic system, energize the body, open the heart centre and enhance central nervous system function resulting in better focus and a more positive outlook on life.
Start with a gentle flow and build up your stamina as your mood improves. Include pranayama and meditation to quiet the mind. Yoga poses which can help alleviate mild depression include Supta Baddha Konasana (reclining bound angle) pose, Paschimottanasana (seated forward bend), Urdhva Mukha Svanasana (upward facing dog) and Salamba Sarvangasana (supported shoulder stand).