Using Yoga to alleviate chronic pain: Insights into back pain, arthritis and insomnia

Chronic pain, which includes ailments like back pain, arthritis and headaches, can be incredibly challenging to live with. It affects millions of people worldwide and often leads to a diminished quality of life.

While traditional medical treatments play a crucial role in managing pain, experts insist there is another tool that can complement these treatments - Yoga.

Understanding Chronic Pain:

In an interview with HT Lifestyle, Himalayan Siddhaa Akshar, Founder of Akshar Yoga Kendraa, shared, “Chronic pain isn't just a physical sensation; it can affect your emotional well-being and overall health. It's often caused by conditions like arthritis, herniated discs, or tension in the muscles. Regardless of the cause, the pain can be persistent and debilitating.”

How Yoga Helps:

Yoga is a holistic practice that involves physical postures, breathing exercises, and meditation. Himalayan Siddhaa Akshar asserted that it may seem surprising but this ancient practice can have a profound impact on managing chronic pain. Here's how it works -

1. Improving Flexibility: Yoga postures, known as asanas, gently stretch and strengthen muscles. This can help alleviate tension and improve flexibility, reducing pain associated with conditions like arthritis or muscle spasms.
2. Enhancing Posture: Many chronic pain issues stem from poor posture. Yoga encourages proper alignment, which can prevent and relieve pain caused by incorrect body mechanics.
3. Stress Reduction: Stress is a common trigger for chronic pain flare-ups. Yoga incorporates relaxation techniques that calm the mind and reduce stress, potentially reducing the frequency and intensity of pain.
4. Increasing Body Awareness: Through Yoga, individuals become more attuned to their bodies. This heightened awareness can help them identify pain triggers and adopt healthier habits.

Yoga for Back Pain:

Himalayan Siddhaa Akshar explained that back pain is one of the most prevalent types of chronic pain that can result from various factors, such as muscle strain, herniated discs or poor posture but Yoga offers several asanas that target back pain -

1. Child's Pose (Balasana): This gentle stretch can provide relief for lower back pain by elongating the spine and relaxing tight muscles.
2. Cat-Cow Stretch: This dynamic movement helps improve spinal flexibility and can alleviate tension in the back.
3. Downward-Facing Dog (Adho Mukha Svanasana): This posture helps strengthen the back muscles and improve overall posture.

Yoga for Arthritis:

Given that arthritis is a chronic condition characterised by joint inflammation and pain, Himalayan Siddhaa Akshar opined that Yoga can be a valuable tool for managing arthritis pain via -

• Gentle Joint Movements: Yoga encourages gentle movement of the joints, which can reduce stiffness and improve mobility.
• Breathing Exercises: Pranayama, or yogic breathing techniques, can help manage pain by promoting relaxation and reducing stress.
• Supported Poses: Props like cushions or blocks can be used to support the body in poses, making them more accessible and comfortable for those with arthritis.

Yoga for Insomnia:

Himalayan Siddhaa Akshar said, “Struggling with insomnia can be exhausting and frustrating. While there are many remedies out there, yoga offers a natural and effective solution. These simple techniques should be done in the morning to help calm your mind, relax your body, and promote better sleep.” He suggested -

1. Cold water bath: Taking a cold water bath can help with insomnia by lowering your body temperature, which signals to your brain that it's time to sleep. The drop in temperature can also promote relaxation and reduce stress, making it easier to fall asleep and stay asleep.
2. Healing walk: Lift your arms up keeping them at shoulder width distance and walk with your arms raised in this position and your hands can be up in the air for 1-3 minutes. Perform a minimum of three sets of these walks of minimum 1-3 minutes each.
3. Brahmari Pranayama involves breathing deeply, then making a buzzing sound like a bee. It calms the mind and reduces stress. Practice it by sitting comfortably and closing your eyes. Inhale deeply through your nose, then exhale while making a humming sound like a bee

Himalayan Siddhaa Akshar concluded, “Yoga is a simple yet powerful tool for managing chronic pain. Its gentle approach to physical activity, combined with stress reduction techniques, makes it accessible to people of all ages and fitness levels. However, it's essential to consult with a healthcare provider before starting any new exercise program, especially if you have a medical condition. Yoga, when practiced mindfully and consistently, can be a valuable complement to traditional pain management strategies, helping individuals live more comfortably with chronic pain.”