The Yoga practice, being sore and Injuries
Seems like most people I know suffer from some sort of injury one time or another. Here are a few tips, from Yoga practice to supplements and food.
Before I begin my practice I bring my awareness to my body. Feeling where it is today, awake, stiff, sore or energetic. Then I take a moment to feel gratitude towards it. I am here, alive, breathing in this body. As I connect with my breath I add a smile, and feel softness. ahhhh :)
I am feeling sore, to practice or not to practice?
Yes, keep practicing, but: First lets distinguish between pain and discomfort or being sore. Pain is not good, and one should stop as soon as pain is there. Discomfort, however, is a sign to yield, to take notice, and to breathe into the place of discomfort. This allows the body to open. Soreness should be treated like discomfort. There is no need to stop practicing—just practice with extra awareness, take it slow and gentle, and modify where needed. When sore, practice to the place of discomfort and not beyond. Practicing 80% of my normal is where I usually like to go.
Remember: Practice is good, but know your edge – there is no benefit in pushing too hard. Treating your body with respect and honoring the signs it gives you is crucial. If we learn to listen to the body, and understand that every day, every moment is different, then we can practice in a sustainable manner. If yesterday, or 10 years ago, there were things that were very easy for me, it does not mean that they are easy today, and I do not expect to perform the same way everyday. Every moment is like a new beginning, and I trust what my body tells me at that particular moment.
Helpful foods for maintaining a healthy body
• Pineapple and garlic both have anti-inflammatory properties and help the body heal from inflammation internally.
• Fresh fruit helps the body absorb the helpful mineral MSM (see below).
• Dark Leafy greens, like kale, beet and mustard greens, arugula, baby salad mix, etc.
• Sprouts
• Raw vegetable juices or blends: I like to blend my veggies so I keep the fiber and have no waste. They become more like thick soups. I use whatever is around. You can play and use any of the ingredients below, no rule!
• Dark, leafy greens
• Celery (absolutely essential due to its high water content)
• A quarter beet (the juice becomes bright red)
• A small piece of daikon radish
• A small carrot (not always as it is very sweet)
• Herbs if around (parsley, cilantro) great for cleansing
• A cube of ginger (can get spicy!)
• Apple juice to get the blender going (100% raw, unfiltered juice)
• A pinch of salt
• A clove of garlic
Supplements:
3 grams MSM with 500 mg Vitamin C and lots of water
MSM (Methylsulfonylmethane)
MSM originates in the ocean but is extracted from the lignin of pine trees. Good quality MSM is indistinguishable from the MSM found in broccoli, peppers, Brussels sprouts, onions, asparagus, cabbage, and mother's milk. MSM acts as a powerful antioxidant and healing source of natural sulfur.
Don’t I get enough from food? Yoga students tend to for put a great deal of stress on their muscles, joints, tendons, and ligaments; and sulfur (MSM), is an essential mineral for promoting elasticity, strength, and the general health of our bodies' tissues. You can find MSM many times sold together in joint formulas, or as a therapy for hair, nails and skin. This is because MSM helps repair every cell of our body.
You can read more on this site http://www.all-natural.com/msm.html
To read the article on my blog page click here
