How to Support your Joints through Yoga and Supplements
As a former dancer, I was trained on the importance of having good posture. An elongated stance was imperative for proper appearance. Good posture is important for more than the stage, though. Regular slouching can contribute to joint and muscle pain, spinal abnormalities like scoliosis, and can even impact our digestive systems. Being mindful of our posture while we sit and while we stand are equally valuable. Many of us work long hours behind a desk staring at a computer. During that time, we can practice good posture in order to actually strengthen our back and core muscles. Additionally, while walking, standing, and exercising, having good posture means having good “form,” which enables us to get the most benefit from our movements. Try Yoga Poses For Good Posture.
The following yoga poses stretch and strengthen the postural muscles in the back and the core. If you were to wear a corset, any part of the body that would touch it would be a part of your postural muscles. That is why it is important to focus on all areas of the core, including the lower back, oblique’s, and stomach.
In addition to these moves, taking My Healthy Joints provides the nutrients our bodies need to support muscle and joint mobility and support healthy inflammation. Inflammatory responses that result from physical activity, aging, stressful lifestyles and diet joint tissues can cause joint swelling and pain, bone damage, and even muscle loss [1]. The My Healthy Joints blend of Ayurveda herbs and Omega-3 oils work synergistically to helps strengthen the bones, support the joints, and facilitate a healthy inflammatory response. Key ingredients include curcumin, the active ingredient in turmeric, boswellia, and bioavailable Magnesium, L-phenylalanine and Coenzyme.
Downward Facing Dog:
Downward dog helps to achieve strong, flexible muscles along the entire back of the body.
Instructions: Come to all fours, then lift your hips to the sky, lengthen your arms while still keeping a slight bend in the elbows, and engage your core muscles to protect your lower back. Keep your feet hips-width distance and focus on sending your heels towards the floor.
Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JmW6Ofblhtk
Image Source: https://www.gaia.com/article/downward-facing-dog-pose-adho-mukha-svanasana
Bridge Pose:
Bridge pose strengthens the glutes and hamstrings. Strengthening the back of the legs helps to relive pressure in the hip joints.
Instructions: Lay on your back and place the soles of the feet to the floor, bending the knees. Engage the muscles in the core and glutes and lift the hips to the sky. Keep a straight line from your chest, to your hips, and knees, to avoid arching into your back. Hold this position for a total of eight full breaths.
Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6HYNo1YQsUk
Image Source: https://www.yogajournal.com/poses/bridge-pose
Plank pose:
Plank pose is the ultimate pose for good posture. When done using correct form, plank pose strengthens all muscles of the core, including the front abdominals, lower back, and oblique.
To do: Plank pose can be done on the forearms or the hands. Create a straight line from your fingertips to your toes. Engage your legs by bracing your quadriceps muscles by lifting through your knee caps. Pull your lower belly in towards your spine. Roll your shoulders and think about pressing your upper back in between the back of the rotator cuffs, to avoid sinking into your chest. Finally, ensure that your head is in line with your spine by looking slightly forward past your fingertips.
Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pSWYGXSNjdE
[1] Source: https://www.arthritis.org/toolkits/arthritis-pain/about-pain/inflammatory-joint-pain.php
Author – Marissa Cohen (YouVeda Wellness Contributor)
