Back pain is one of the most common complaints we come across in our yoga students at Shakti Yoga Therapy Centre.
According to the KwaZulu-Natal Department of Health, pain in the lower is a common concern, affecting up to 30 – 40 % of South Africans at some point in their lifetime. Low back pain is not a specific disease but rather, a symptom that may occur from a variety of different processes. In some cases, no specific cause of the pain can be identified.
Energy/Prana body – Chakras
Blockages and toxins are stored in the chakras on an energetic level. We know that if energy flow is disrupted it can lead to disease and/or pain. For optimum health it is vital for energies to flow undisrupted and freely throughout our whole being for the purpose of oxygen, nutrients and prana supply. Through the distribution of prana all the organs, tissues and muscles are well-nourished and function optimally.
Psychosomatic/ Mental body
The connection between our mind and body is undeniable. Some chronic pain is a story the mind believes and manifest because of the repetition of the stimuli. Even when the stimuli seizes, the brain may continue with the story and respond accordingly. The power of the mind is immense and once a narrative is engrained into a neuropathic pathway, it is hard to convince the brain otherwise.
Available treatments and possible limitations
There are many approaches to treating chronic and acute pain but the more general therapies include pain medication, physiotherapy, chiropractic sessions and in extreme cases surgery. Pharmaceutical drugs have their place and humans today have a longer life expectancy due to advanced medical treatment. However, there is no drug on the market that does not have certain side effects, especially over long term usage.
Asanas that may relieve / prevent back pain
- Palm tree pose
- Swaying palm tree pose
- Waist rotation pose
- Cat Stretch pose
- Downward facing dog
- Half locust
- Full locust
- Child’s pose
- Bridge pose
- Sleeping abdominal twist
- Rotated head to knee pose
- Half spinal twist
Alternative / additional remedies and recommendations
We can also recommend yoga therapy, acupuncture, aromatherapy oils, Thai massage, and using natural remedies like turmeric to reduce inflammation .
Taking daily walks, spending time in nature to reduce stress, pranayama to release energy blockages, mantras to release mental blockages and meditation for your overall well-being can all be beneficial in relieving back pain.