Yoga and Chiropractic

In recent decades yoga has gained tremendous popularity throughout the western hemisphere, both as a form of physical exercise and as a way to relax. More and more seniors are taking yoga classes at community centers, moms are going to their yoga studio during their lunch breaks, and even children are taking classes that are specially designed for their developing bodies.

Yoga has many health benefits including increased flexibility, decreased pain, and decreased stress to name a few! New students often enter the studio hoping to lose weight, manage stress, or help recover from an existing injury.  

There are many recognized styles of yoga but the type of yoga most Americans practice is called hatha yoga. This is a basic form and many other styles are built on the foundations taught in this school of yoga. Another style of yoga popular in the United States is power yoga which is available in many gyms and fitness centers across the country. People looking to lose weight and increase the function of their cardiovascular system often gravitate toward this intense style of yoga, which is sometimes practiced in a heated room. The focus on breath work allows the student to focus inward, becoming more mindful of their bodies. It is through this moving meditation that the student will begin noticing changes in their physical appearance and more importantly in other aspects of their life – mental, emotional, and spiritual.

Like any workout, it is important to pay attention to your own body. If a certain pose causes you pain or discomfort, make sure you ask your instructor to check your alignment and help you make the appropriate adjustments to the pose. If it still is difficult, a good instructor will be able to provide you with an option for another, easier pose. Although some schools of yoga do focus on alignment, no matter what style you practice it is important to have your spine and nervous system checked by a chiropractor on a regular basis. Certain forms of yoga will increase your endurance, and all will increase your strength. However, endurance and strength are only valuable if you have a stable spine and structure – this is one area where your chiropractor can help you! It is important to maintain your endurance, strength, and structure in order to live your own ideal 100 Year Lifestyle.

Since there are so many styles of yoga available in places like recreational centers, senior living communities, gyms, schools, and private yoga studios, yoga can be an affordable and accessible form of exercise. It is an activity that can be practiced by you and multiple generations of your family throughout your life. Together with chiropractic care, yoga will help you live a longer, healthier, and happier life!