Yoga and Chiropractic: A Symbiotic Relationship
Yoga and
Chiropractic: A Symbiotic Relationship
When recommending exercises and stretches to our chiro
clients, it is often that they are similar to, or actually are, some of the poses
used in yoga practice. We as well often suggest that finding a yoga class would
be beneficial as a beginner in the practice of yoga as they may enjoy trying it
out to help strengthen the foundation around the spine that we are currently
working on. While some are reluctant, especially males, it is important to
remember that yoga is designed to promote flexibility but also allows the body
to relax.
Motion and balance are two necessities to creating and
maintaining a healthy life which both chiropractic and yoga focus on. Chiropractic
and Yoga can therefore work in harmony to increase proper posture, range of
motion and flexibility which are all crucial elements to both practices.
Let’s talk more about how the two connect.
Chiropractic and
the spine’s role in the body:
The emphasis of chiropractic is often on restoring the
proper alignment of the body so it functions normally and without pain. The
spine is the main support for the body and houses most of the central nervous
system providing the pathways for neural impulses to move throughout the body. When
our spines are out of alignment it can affect how the central nervous system
functions and also affect flexibility and even overall mobility, as well as
cause pain and stiffness. Not only can small misalignments cause pain but as
well can create a decreased immune system, changes in hormones, blood pressure
and even blood sugar levels! This is why chiropractic works towards the prevention
of pain & illness, and promotes overall wellness within the body and
therefore reducing the need for some hospital admissions and other doctors visits!
Chiropractic believes that “the power that made the body,
heals the body”, which means that the body has the power to heal itself once impediments
to healing are removed. Chiropractic is also about positive thoughts and
removal of stressors (both physical, mental, and chemical) and yoga can help
the body achieve optimal health and reduce potential for future injuries with
the emphasis on strengthening and toning muscles, improving posture, and
strengthening the spine.
Yoga: Connecting
Mind and Body:
Yoga in its purist form is an ascetic and spiritual
discipline that involves simple meditation, conscious breathing or breach
control, and performing certain body postures.
As an ancient practice long used for spiritual and emotional
healing as well as physical wellness, yoga is widely accepted as a form of
fitness and as well as a therapeutic practice used for relaxation and overall
good health. It focuses on inward healing for outward results. Much like we
talked about with chiropractic!
As a practice, yoga is based on a philosophy of a wholeness and
connection with yourself, with others around you, as well as nature and the
universe etc and becoming much more aware of this union of all of them. Along
with breath and meditation, physical yoga promotes balance, strength, and
flexibility. In yoga, you are tuning your nervous system, you’re tuning your body’s
muscle system and skeletal system. Again, much like chiropractic which is why
the two together works so well! Like peanut butter and jelly! 😊
Combining
Chiropractic and Yoga!
Yoga promotes strength from head to toe making the body more
able to receive chiropractic care. A stronger body can respond better to
chiropractic care than a body that is stiff, sore and uneven.
Because yoga exercises are aimed to stretch and elongate the
body, they release built up tension and stress. Doing yoga before visiting your
chiropractor can “warm-up” your muscles and clear your mind and vice versa doing yoga after your visit to your chiropractor can enhance your yoga experience. In short, yoga readies your body to heal.
If you are suffering from a major injury or specific deep-rooted
condition, a chiropractor may have to spend more time “prepping” your body
before solving the issue or treating the injury. This can be especially frustrating for
patients who want their problem to be solved immediately. That being said, yoga
can increase
your body’s flexibility and range of motion, saving work for your
chiropractor. Yoga, like chiropractic care, is especially beneficial for those
suffering from neck, back, hip or joint pain. The more work you do outside of
your chiropractor’s office, the more in-depth work your chiropractor is able to
do during your visit.
Yoga, like
chiropractic care, helps prevent future injury. Both yoga and chiropractic
care help keep the body aligned, promote balance, stretch and relieve tense
muscles, and ensure proper joint operation- all things that create a body less
susceptible to future injury. When done in tandem, individuals find their
results are greater than when done alone.
Yoga and chiropractic care teach you about your body. Chiropractors and yoga
teachers know vast amounts of information about the way your body works, and
you should too! By having an awareness about good posture and your body’s
overall function, you can live a healthier lifestyle.
So, overall, combining yoga with chiropractic increases the
effectiveness of the treatment while strengthening the body and making it
better able to respond to it. Yoga is therefore the PERFECT complement to chiropractic care and many patients are
discovering tremendous health benefits from this winning, healthy combination!
Visit Creekwood West Point today to find out how you can start
your journey to a healthier you and live a life free of pain or injury and
better overall health! Don’t worry, no appointment necessary, just walk on in! However, for your convenience you
can also visit our website at www.creekwoodchirowestpoint.com and book
your appointment online!
For great local yoga right here in West Point check out The Good
Earth Company with amazing Christian-based yoga run by Patti Knobbe! Yoga
classes run 5 days a week at numerous times so you can go when most convenient
with your schedule making it an easy addition to your overall wellness
lifestyle!
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Click HERE for more information about the author,
Dr. Chelsie Englund B.S., D.C., Webster Certified.
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